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Skull base tumours
Skull base tumours are tumours that grow in the bony structuring and coverings of the brain
About
Skull bone tumours are tumours that grow in the bones at the bottom of your skull. They also grow in the bony rim behind the nose and eyes. There are different types of skull bone tumours, including meningioma, paranasal sinus cancer and olfactory neuroblastoma. At HCA UK, we can diagnose and treat them.
Need to know
The signs and symptoms of skull base tumours will depend on their size, type and location. Generally speaking, they might include:
- headaches
- breathing difficulties
- a changed sense of smell
- double or blurred vision
- swallowing difficulties
- difficulty hearing
Your HCA UK consultant neurosurgeon will discuss your symptoms with you, before carrying out a physical exam. If necessary, they may also carry out a neurological exam, which involves checking your vision, balance, hearing, memory, reflexes and coordination. If they suspect a skull base tumour, they may recommend certain imaging tests, such as a CT scan, an MRI scan, a bone scan and/or a PET scan.
If you are diagnosed with a skull base tumour, your HCA UK consultant neurosurgeon will discuss your symptoms with you. Your treatment options may include:
- Observation. If your tumour isn't causing any symptoms, we may recommend observing it over time.
- Surgery. There are a number of surgical techniques that can be used to remove the tumour, including endoscopic endonasal surgery.
- Radiation therapy. This involves using radiation waves to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery. It's sometimes carried out if surgery isn't an option.
Our Skull base tumours locations
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
Patient stories
Hear from past patients about their experience
Alan's story
Despite years of experiencing heart problems that just wouldn’t go away, Alan was apprehensive about having a surgical procedure. But with the expertise of his consultant and the latest cardiac technology, he decided to go ahead.
Andrew's story
“I couldn’t move my legs at all, and my arms only partially. But now I can walk six miles. I wouldn’t have got that without the physio team at The Christie Private Care, I simply wouldn’t have.”
How a second opinion helped uncover a hidden cardiac problem
Former Olympic swimmer, Adrian, was used to prioritising his physical wellbeing and continued to exercise regularly, keeping him in good health into his 60s. But when he got out of the pool one day, he noticed that something wasn’t right.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.