Skull base surgery

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. 

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.