About Skull Base Surgery

Skull base tumors are a group of tumors that have a tendency to grow along various regions of the bottom part of the skull. These relatively rare tumors mostly grow on the inside, but occasionally grow on the outside of the skull. Treating skull base tumors is particularly challenging because this area of the body contains so many blood vessels, nerves and other important structures.

When surgery is indicated, our experienced surgeons perform these delicate surgeries with state-of-the-art technology including:

• sophisticated imaging studies
• microscopes and microsurgical instruments
• neuronavigational equipment
• constant electrical monitoring of the patient’s functions

The combination of this cutting-edge approach coupled with the advanced skills of the surgeons, allows us to achieve the best possible results.

Video: Sharons Story - Skull-based tumor removed thro ...

Sharon and her physicians, neurosurgeon Dr. Quinones and facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Boahene, share how they removed a skull base meningioma tumor through her eyelid

Date: 07/22/2011

More Videos »

Minimally-Invasive Endoscopic Approach

A minimally-invasive endoscopic approach to skull base surgery usually involves a neurosurgeon and otolaryngologist working together. The otolaryngologist will create a minimally-invasive approach for the neurosurgeon, usually through the nose, although other approaches are utilized.

Using an endoscope, the neurosurgeon is able to remove the tumor without cutting or damaging other parts of the skull, resulting in reduced recovery time for the patient.

Traditional Approach

Based on the potential pathology and anatomic location of the tumor, a more traditional surgical approach may be necessary. More conventional approaches, including the use of a surgical microscope, can provide for the best access in order to adequately remove a tumor without damaging critical nerves and blood vessels. The team at the Johns Hopkins Minimally-Invasive Brain and Skull Base Surgery Center has a great deal of experience with these approaches.

Further Treatment

Based on the final pathology of the tumor, further treatment may be necessary. Radiation therapy or focused radiation therapy (also known as radiosurgery or Gamma Knife treatment) can be a part of the treatment. This is usually planned by a team of radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons and physicists. Chemotherapy may also be prescribed if the tumor has cancerous features.

After the initial treatment is completed, a support team of nurses, physical, occupational and speech therapists provide constant and comprehensive assistance to our patients.

Regular and periodic assessment of the progress made by our patients affected by these tumors is performed by the same experienced multidisciplinary team who developed the treatment plan.