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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
London Neurosurgery Partnership
78 Harley Street W1G 7HJ London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David's gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.