Skull base surgery

Penn Medicine is one of the few places in the nation with doctors dedicated to the diagnosis and surgical assessment of skull base tumors. With targeted treatment plans and advanced approaches to skull base surgery, our patients receive exceptional care.

Doctor using a digital tablet to discuss a brain scan during a consultation in her office

Global leaders in advanced skull base tumor treatment

Skull base tumors, also known as cranial base tumors, are some of the most challenging, complex, and technically demanding tumors to treat. Because of their location—on the underside of the brain, the base of the skull, or the upper vertebrae of the spinal column—they require advanced diagnostic technology and the expertise of highly skilled surgeons and radiologists.  

Penn Medicine’s skull base team sees over 500 skull base tumor cases each year. Our specialists from otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat surgeons), neurosurgery, neuroradiology, radiation oncology, and other disciplines work together to discuss patient cases and make the most up-to-date recommendations for the treatment of both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors in the skull base. 

Our care team actively engages in research studies and clinical trials, offering hope to patients with tumors that might otherwise be misdiagnosed or deemed untreatable. With a deep specialization in skull base surgery, we’re dedicated to providing the safest, most effective treatments while offering compassionate care for our patients. 


Clinical trials

Clinical trials offer patients the opportunity to try new and effective treatments and take part in future research.

Second opinions

If you've received a diagnosis, our team of experts offers second opinions to grant you peace of mind.

Collaborating for better skull base surgery outcomes

At Penn Medicine, our highly skilled neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, radiologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists collaborate to address the complexities of skull base tumors. Physicians from various departments meet in a biweekly skull base tumor conference where they discuss every patient's case and work together to form a well-rounded treatment plan. This approach promotes high-quality outcomes, fewer appointments, and the use of minimally invasive methods whenever possible. Because of this collaboration, we are designated as a Multidisciplinary Team of Distinction by the North American Skull Base Society.  

Supporting you throughout the care journey 

Our skull base team is committed to providing you with the highest level of safety and care from diagnosis and treatment to post-surgery recovery, and beyond. To achieve this, the Penn Center for Cranial Base Surgery has established a specialized skull base rehabilitation team that works alongside patients throughout their recovery. Additional support is provided by experienced physical and occupational therapists, speech and swallowing therapists, rehabilitation medicine physicians, social workers, endocrinologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, and dieticians.

Conditions we treat 

Advanced surgical options for skull base disorders

Penn Medicine’s Center for Cranial Base Surgery offers the full range of advanced surgical procedures available today to treat skull base disorders. We provide new hope and an improved quality of life to patients with tumors previously considered untreatable, or those who may have been misdiagnosed elsewhere. Penn Medicine surgeons are known for their extensive training, experience and expertise in minimally invasive surgery, and their ability to determine the most effective course of treatment for each patient. A team of experts reviews your case and provides a group decision on the recommended treatment option.

Diverse team of doctors having a discussion

Our doctors

Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.

Panoramic shot of Penn Medicine's downtown campus

Locations

Our hospitals, multispecialty medical centers, pharmacies, labs and more offer outstanding, personalized care for patients all across the region.

Schedule an appointment

We can help you schedule an appointment or you can search our directory of specialists.