The skull base is a region of the body just below the skull, the upper most area of the neck. The area is anatomically very complex, as a myriad of nerves, blood vessels and other soft tissues traverse through a relatively small area.

Tumors involving this region are relatively rare, and when they arise, it presents a formidable challenge. Surgery is often difficult due to presence of critical nearby structures which may lead to functional difficulties for a patient after surgery. Therefore, surgery has to be as limited as possible, while ensuring most of the disease is removed.

Stereotactic radiosurgery, such as CyberKnife, is playing an increasing role in treating cancers of the skull base after surgery to clear up any microscopic disease after the operation. The treatment may also be used as stand alone treatment for unresectable tumors, or tumors known to respond well to radiation.

Tumors of this area include:  glomus tumors, schwannomas, sarcomas or metastases to this area from another site.

Also see:
Recurrent Head & Neck Cancers