Skull Base Tumors

At Montefiore Einstein Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, you can access exceptional care for skull base tumors. As a global leader in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery, we are an academic-based, national and international referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases. For over a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for ear, nose and throat (ENT) and head and neck conditions.

Ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for complex specialty care according to U.S. News & World Report, Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of ENT and head and neck conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned specialists has pioneered many of the otorhinolaryngological techniques used today and is passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes. We developed the use of image-guided navigation technology for sinus and skull base surgery. We are also one of the first and few centers in the nation to routinely offer incisionless transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery (TONES) for minimally invasive access to very complex skull/cranial base tumors through the eye while preserving the patient’s vision.

At Montefiore Einstein Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-driven treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety.

When you need care for skull base tumors, turn to our dedicated multidisciplinary team for a personalized treatment plan.

Skull base tumors are growths that form at the base of the skull. These tumors, which may be noncancerous (benign) or malignant, often develop from bone, cartilage or nerve sheaths.

Causes of skull base tumors depend on the type of tumor and its origin. While the exact cause is often unknown, several factors may contribute to the development of skull base tumors, including:

• Cancerous or malignant tumors (e.g. chordomas, sinonasal carcinomas) 
• Genetic conditions (e.g. neurofibromatosis, multiple endocrine neoplasia—MEN)
• Infections or inflammation resulting from chronic conditions affecting nearby tissues
• Noncancerous tumors (e.g. meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, and schwannomas)
• Previous radiation exposure from radiation treatment to the head or neck

Symptoms vary depending on the size, type, and location of the tumor and may include:  

• Changes in speech
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dizziness or difficulty balancing
• Facial numbness or weakness
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Persistent headaches
• Vision changes or loss of vision

Skull base tumors are diagnosed based on a physical exam, including discussions about your symptoms and personal and family health history, as well as a neurological exam to check your vision, hearing, balance, coordination, reflexes and ability to think and remember. In addition, your physician may order imaging tests, including:

• Bone scan
• Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan
• Endoscopy
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

We provide a variety of treatments for skull base tumors, including: 

• Active monitoring of small, asymptomatic tumors
• Hormone therapy for hormone-secreting tumors
• Targeted radiation therapy (e.g. Gamma Knife or CyberKnife) for precise tumor management

There are a variety of surgical approaches that can be used, such as open, minimally invasive, endoscopic and robotic surgery, depending on the type and location of the skull base condition.

• Endoscopic endonasal surgery, a minimally invasive approach using the nasal passages to access the tumor
• Microsurgical techniques for precise tumor removal with enhanced visualization
• Transoral robotic surgery (TORS), a minimally invasive robotic approach through the mouth and throat
• Transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery (TONES), a minimally invasive incisionless technique for access to very complex skull/cranial base tumors through the eye. We are one of the first and few centers in the nation to routinely offer TONES.
• Combined approaches