Skull base tumours

Need to know

• Symptoms of skull base tumours icon plus

  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

• Diagnosis icon plus

  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.

   

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  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.