Skull Base Tumor Surgeries
Skull Base Tumor Surgeries
What are the types of skull base tumors?
Anterior part tumors
• Benign tumors such as: meningioma, papilloma
• Malignant tumors such as: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma
Lateral and posterior part tumors
• Benign tumors such as: meningiomas, schwannomas, and chondromas
• Malignant tumors such as: tumors of the lining cells in the nasopharynx.
The three most common types of tumors:
• Meningiomas: These are benign brain tumors that grow from the tissue layers protecting the brain and spinal cord. These tumors are more common in men than women and can grow very large before symptoms appear.
• Acoustic neuroma: This affects the nerve connecting the ear to the brain and can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, or loss of balance.
• Pituitary gland tumors: These are also benign tumors. They can alter hormone production levels or cause vision loss.
Most skull base tumors grow internally, but sometimes these tumors can form externally, where a cancerous tumor may arise and spread to many other nearby parts.
Symptoms of Skull Base Tumors
The nature of skull base tumor symptoms depends on the type of tumor, its location, size, and duration. Due to the nature of this area, these symptoms may take time to become clearly apparent. There are many symptoms of skull base tumors that may appear in patients:
• Headache
• Facial numbness
• Disturbance in some functions, such as double vision
• Difficulty swallowing
• Change or loss of sense of smell
• Difficulty breathing
• Change in voice
• Balance disorders
Risk Factors for Skull Base Tumors
We do not know the exact cause of skull base tumors... but it may result from one of the following reasons:
• Exposure to radiation, such as radiotherapy in the head and neck area
• Exposure to certain chemicals like arsenic and pesticides
• Some genetic hereditary conditions
How Are Skull Base Tumors Diagnosed?
Diagnosing skull base tumors involves Dr. Mohamed Al-Qadi performing a visual clinical examination and evaluating basic head functions such as visual field and acuity, hearing, speech, smell, and taste—all of which may be affected by the developing tumor.
We do not know the exact cause of skull base tumors... but it may result from one of the following reasons:
Dr. Mohamed Al-Qadi also performs a neurological examination to assess balance, reflexes, and muscle movement ability. There are other diagnostic methods that may be used, including:
• Using a nasal endoscope: Dr. Mohamed Al-Qadi may resort to this to determine if there is a visible mass in the nasal cavity or nasopharyngeal cancer.
• Diagnostic endoscopy: A simple procedure performed in the clinic for early detection of nasal, skull base, pharyngeal, and laryngeal tumors.
Biopsy
The doctor takes a sample of the tumor via nasal endoscopy or under CT guidance, which is then examined histologically under a microscope to detect any cellular tumor if imaging fails to identify it.
Other Diagnostic Methods
CT scans and MRI to determine the size of the tumor, its position relative to surrounding tissues and organs, and assess its spread to other organs.
Angiography of the head and brain vessels using contrast dye.
Treatment of Skull Base Tumors
Treating skull base tumors is a significant challenge because these tumors are close to important nerves and blood vessels near the brain and spinal cord.
We surgically manage skull base tumors in many cases, including endoscopic surgeries through the nose or through a small opening in the face or behind the ear.
Services Provided by Dr. Mohamed El-Qady for Patients with Sinus Tumors
Whether through nasal endoscopy or traditional surgeries, Dr. Mohamed El-Qady provides his patients with numerous diagnostic and therapeutic services.
Dr. Mohamed El-Qady has performed many surgeries for advanced tumors extending to the sinuses or to the cheekbones and eye socket bones.
Diagnostic Services at Dr. Mohamed ElKady Center
• Diagnosis of skull base tumors
• Diagnostic endoscopy of the sinuses and nasopharynx
• Staging evaluation of skull base cancer
• Skull base tumor biopsies under imaging guidance
• Diagnostic angiography for head and skull base tumors
Surgical Services at Dr. Mohamed ElKady Center
• Endoscopic sinus surgeries for skull base cases
• Traditional surgeries for advanced sinus and skull base tumors
• Reconstruction and complementary surgery after advanced tumor resection
• Neck lymph node dissection surgery