Skull Base Tumors

The skull base, sometimes called the cranial base or cranial floor, is made up of the bones, nerves, blood vessels and tissues that separate the brain from the face and neck. The blood vessels supply the brain with nutrients and oxygen. The nerves control vision, smell, hearing, facial movement, facial sensation, swallowing and tongue movement. Tumors can form anywhere along the skull base and affect these functions. Because of the complex anatomy of the skull base, it takes a high level of expertise and skill, cutting-edge technologies and minimally invasive techniques to safely remove these tumors.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital serves patients from across the country and around the world who have skull base tumors. Through the Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University, we offer a wide range of services. They reflect our commitment to caring for each patient from diagnosis through treatment, and on to rehabilitation. Our team is often able to offer new treatments that are not yet widely available, through clinical trials.

We are proud to be part of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, home to one of just six Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) grants for brain cancer funded by the National Cancer Institute.

At Northwestern Memorial Hospital, you will have access to the latest imaging and diagnostic tools available, as well as the most advanced surgical and non-surgical treatment options. Our neuro-oncology team is one of the largest in the country, and includes world renowned experts. Our radiation oncologists offer the latest radiation technologies, including radiosurgery and proton beam therapy. We perform more brain and spine tumor surgeries than any other health system in Illinois.

Complex cases are reviewed by Northwestern Brain Tumor Board. The board is made up some of the world’s leading experts in their fields:

• Neurosurgeons
• Neuro-oncologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Neuroradiologists
• Neuropathologists
• Neurologists specializing in tumor-related epilepsy  
• Cancer genetic counselors

After you receive a brain or spine tumor diagnosis, finding the right treatment can seem overwhelming. Getting a second opinion can help you feel confident about your diagnosis and treatment plan. Among the world’s leading experts, people across the country turn to our team for second opinions.

Our physicians and research scientists seek new treatments for glioblastoma and other gliomas, brain metastases, meningioma, and other brain and spine tumors. These efforts have contributed to new treatments and improved outcomes for our patients. Our commitment to clinical research and bringing the most advanced treatments to our patients translates into improved survival rates and a better quality of life for individuals with brain and spine tumors.

At Northwestern Medicine, our renowned neuropathology team specializes in tumors of the central nervous system. We provide comprehensive evaluations for brain and spine tumors. We combine clinical, radiologic, pathologic and molecular data to make accurate diagnoses. We can even do these analyses on tissue that has been resected at other institutions.