skull base cancer

Skull Base Cancer: A Complex and Challenging Type of Tumor

Skull base cancer, also known as malignant skull base tumors, are a type of cancer that grows in the area behind the eyes and nose, sloping down to the back of the head. These tumors can be highly aggressive and have the potential to spread to other areas of the body.

Types of Skull Base Cancer

There are several types of cancer that can develop in the skull or skull base, including:

• Chondrosarcomas: A type of cancer that starts in the cartilage at the junction of the bones of the skull base.
• Meningiomas: A tumor found on the tissue covering the brain or spinal cord in the skull interior. Typically benign.
• Acoustic Neuromas: Noncancerous tumors growing on the nerve leading from the inner ear to the brain. Slow-growing.

Symptoms of Skull Base Cancer

In some cases, skull base cancer can cause symptoms such as:

• Blindness or blurred vision
• Altered sense of taste and smell
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Headaches
• Hearing loss

However, most skull-base tumors don't cause symptoms early on, but they develop over time. A bump (or lump) on the back of your head is typically not a sign or symptom.

Treatment Options

Treating skull base cancer and conditions requires the skill and experience of a center like Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. These tumors are very close to nerves and blood vessels in the brain, head, neck, and spinal cord.

Prevalence and Risk Factors

Some cases of skull base tumors can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you if you're concerned about the risk to you and your family.

Conclusion

Skull base cancer is a complex and challenging type of tumor that requires specialized treatment. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with skull base cancer, it's essential to seek medical attention from an experienced center.

References:

• [1] Malignant Skull Base Tumors
• [4] Skull base tumors are growths that can form along the base of the skull or directly below the skull base in areas such as the sinuses.
• [6] Lateral skull base: where the bones near the ear meet the brain.
• [10] The skull base consists of several bones that form the bottom of the head and the bony ridge behind the eyes and nose.
• [14] Most skull base tumors grow inside of the skull, but some form on the outside.

Chemotherapy for Skull Base Cancer

Skull base cancer treatment often involves a combination of therapies, and chemotherapy is one of them. Chemotherapy uses specialized drugs to destroy cancer cells or prevent new cancer cells from forming.

• Types of Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may involve a single drug or a combination of two or more drugs, depending on the type and grade of the cancer being treated [6]. Most chemotherapy drugs used to treat skull base tumors are given through a vein with intravenous (IV) infusion [10].
• Treatment Schedule: Treatment may be given for several hours at a time, a few days a week, every three or four weeks. The way chemotherapy is given depends on the type of drug and the type and grade of the cancer being treated [9].

Other Drug Treatments

In addition to chemotherapy, other drug treatments may be used to treat skull base cancer.

• Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy may be prescribed for certain types of tumors that are sensitive to hormones [15].
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. It may be used in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy [13][15].
• Targeted Agents: Targeted agents are drugs that specifically target cancer cells, reducing harm to healthy cells.

Combination Therapy

Skull base cancer treatment often involves a combination of therapies, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The goal is to effectively treat the tumor while preserving surrounding brain and critical structures [4].

Note: The information provided above is based on the search results and may not be comprehensive or up-to-date. It's essential to consult with a medical professional for personalized advice and treatment options.

References: [1] - Not applicable [2] - Not applicable [3] - Not applicable [4] Many skull base tumors are treated through surgery, but treatment may also involve radiation and/or chemotherapy to effectively treat the tumor while preserving the surrounding brain and critical structures. [5] - Not applicable [6] Chemotherapy involves using powerful drugs to destroy tumor cells. A single drug or a combination may be used. The drugs are given by mouth or through an IV ... [7] - Not applicable [8] - Not applicable [9] The way chemotherapy is given depends on the type of drug and the type and grade of the cancer being treated. Many chemotherapy drugs are unable to reach a ... [10] Most chemotherapy drugs used to treat skull base tumors are given through a vein with intravenous (IV) infusion. Usually, doctors prescribe a combination of drugs. Treatment may be given for several hours at a time, a few days a week, every three or four weeks. [11] - Not applicable [12] Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells. Historically, surgery and/or radiation have been the indicated treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SSCHN), especially when the disease was limited and cure was possible. [13] Oropharyngeal cancer treatment options may include radiation therapy, surgery, chemoradiation, chemotherapy alone, and immunotherapy. Get detailed information about the treatment for newly diagnosed and recurrent oropharyngeal cancer in this summary for clinicians. ... pterygoid plates, lateral nasopharynx, or skull base or encases carotid ... [14] Advanced microscopic, laser and ultrasound techniques are used to treat certain types of tumors that are buried deep within the skull base. [15] Depending on patient needs, a single drug or combination of drugs may be prescribed, sometimes in combination with radiation and/or surgical approaches. Drug options may include hormone therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted agents.