The skullbase is the complex bone surface on which the brain rests. Many different tumors can arise from or extend into this area.
Skullbase tumors may either be noncancerous or cancerous. Noncancerous tumors can also cause complications if they grow large enough and begin putting pressure on nearby areas. Skullbase tumors include meningiomas, vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuromas), chordomas, chondrosarcomas, craniopharyngiomas, brainstem gliomas and metastases.
Many people don’t have symptoms until the tumors become large. When they do appear, they can vary based on the tumor’s size and location. Symptoms include:
Testing, such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biopsy, can detect skullbase tumors.
Surgery, radiation therapy (such as Gamma Knife), chemotherapy or a combination of therapies may be used. For many tumors, Gamma Knife treatment offers an alternative to conventional surgery or can be used along with surgery to provide the best outcome.
Call The Gamma Knife Center at The Valley Hospital at 201-634-5677 or complete the contact form for more information or to set up a consultation.
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Call our Nurse Navigator at 201-634-5677 or click below to email her.