Tumors of the skull base can be complex. Count on the cancer experts at Sentara for prompt, accurate diagnosis and treatment. Our multidisciplinary team with board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians work together through our tumor boards to create a personalized treatment plan for your cancer.
Skull base tumors are growths that form in bones that come together at the skull’s base to support your brain. These bones include the:
- Ethmoid: Separates the nasal cavity and brain
- Frontal: Forms the forehead and upper eye sockets
- Occipital: Creates the skull’s back and base
- Temporal: Makes up the sides of the skull
- Sphenoid: Forms the sides of the eye sockets and part of the skull base
Skull base tumors can begin in the bones or in the hollow spaces between skull bones known as the nasal cavity. Tumors that begin in the skull base are primary tumors, but not all skull base tumors are cancer.
When cancer travels from elsewhere in the body to the skull base, the tumor is a secondary (metastatic) tumor.
If you have a skull base tumor, you may not have any symptoms at all. Sometimes, skull base tumor symptoms include:
- Balance problems
- Blurry vision
- Breathing troubles
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble swallowing