Skull-base Tumors

Neurosurgeons at the Swedish Neuroscience Institute are among the most knowledgeable in the country about skull-base tumors. Skull base tumors are a group of tumors that have a tendency to grow along various regions of the bottom part of the skull, mostly on the inside but occasionally on the outside of the skull as well.

Not only are the highly skilled surgeons at the Seattle Neuroscience Institute experienced in diagnosing and treating skull base tumors, they use the latest techniques and technologies, including microsurgery and stereotactic radiosurgery.

Types of skull-based tumors

Meningioma is usually a benign tumor that comes from cells in the covering of the brain and spinal cord. These tumors account for about 20 percent of all primary brain tumors. They are most often seen in middle-aged women. The vast majority of these tumors are benign. However, they can be difficult to remove completely and can recur.

Schwannoma is typically a benign tumor located in the back part of the skull in an area called the cerebello-pontine angle, or CP angle. This tumor tends to grow very slowly, especially in the elderly.

Chordomas are benign, slow-growing tumors that are usually seen in patients who are 50 to 60 years old. They are usually located at the base of the skull and the lower portion of the spine. They tend to invade the adjacent bone and put pressure on nearby neural tissue. These tumors are rare.

Glomus jugulare tumors are very rare, slow-growing and benign. They invade the temporal bone. It is the most common tumor of the middle ear. Glomus jugulare tumors occur most often in women in their 50s.

Metastatic describes a tumor that has spread to a different location, away from the primary tumor.