Skull Base & Pituitary Tumor Program

These rare tumors arise from remnants of the notochord and are typically located at the base of the skull or along the spine. They tend to grow slowly but can be aggressive and invasive, often requiring complex surgical approaches.

These malignant tumors arise from cartilaginous tissue and are less common. They often require aggressive treatment due to their potential to invade surrounding structures.

A colloid cyst is a slow-growing, benign cyst that forms near the center of the brain, often at the third ventricle. It can block the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid, leading to headaches, dizziness, or in rare cases, sudden neurological symptoms. Minimally invasive surgery is often used to remove the cyst and restore fluid balance.

An epidermoid cyst of the brain is a rare, benign tumor that develops from skin-like cells trapped during brain formation. These cysts can grow slowly and press on nerves or brain tissue, causing symptoms like facial pain, hearing loss, or imbalance. Surgical removal is typically recommended for relief and to prevent recurrence.

Gliomas are a group of primary brain tumors that develop from glial cells — the supportive cells that surround and protect neurons in the brain. These tumors can vary in aggressiveness, growth rate, and treatment approach, depending on their type and grade. Treatment often includes a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, guided by advanced imaging and molecular diagnostics to tailor care for each patient.

• Glioblastoma: The most aggressive form of glioma, glioblastoma tends to grow and spread rapidly. Treatment focuses on maximal surgical removal followed by radiation and chemotherapy to slow progression and improve quality of life.

• Ependymoma: Arising from the cells lining the fluid-filled spaces of the brain and spinal cord, ependymomas can block cerebrospinal fluid flow and increase pressure in the brain. Treatment typically involves surgery and radiation therapy.

• Astrocytoma: These tumors form from star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes and range from slow-growing (low-grade) to aggressive (high-grade) types. Treatment depends on tumor location and grade, balancing tumor control with preservation of neurological function.

• Oligodendroglioma: Originating from cells that produce myelin, these tumors are generally slower-growing and often more responsive to treatment. Genetic testing helps guide therapy, as certain mutations can predict better treatment outcomes.

Hemangioblastomas are rare, benign vascular tumors that occur in the brain or spinal cord. They may cause headaches, problems with balance, or other neurological symptoms depending on their location. Surgical removal is often curative, and ongoing monitoring is important, especially for patients with genetic conditions such as von Hippel-Lindau disease.

These are the most common primary tumors of the skull base. They are usually benign and originate from the meninges. Symptoms can vary depending on their location and size but may include headaches, seizures, or neurological deficits.

Metastatic brain tumors occur when cancer from another part of the body spreads to the brain. Symptoms depend on tumor size and location and can include headaches, seizures, or neurological changes. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, targeted therapy, or a combination to control growth and relieve symptoms.

Olfactory neuroblastoma, also known as esthesioneuroblastoma, is a rare cancer that develops in the upper nasal cavity near the smell nerves. Symptoms can include nasal congestion, nosebleeds, or loss of smell. Treatment often combines surgery, radiation therapy, and sometimes chemotherapy.

These are rare tumors that originate from paraganglia, collections of nerve cells. They are usually benign but can occasionally be malignant.

Sinonasal carcinoma refers to a group of cancers that develop in the nasal cavity or sinuses. These tumors may cause nasal congestion, facial pain, or swelling. Early diagnosis is critical, as treatment typically involves surgery followed by radiation or chemotherapy to preserve function and control disease.

Subependymomas are rare, typically slow-growing tumors that develop from the ependymal cells lining the ventricles of the brain or the central canal of the spinal cord; they are usually noncancerous. When symptoms occur, they may include headaches, balance issues, or changes in vision due to blockage of cerebrospinal fluid flow. Treatment often depends on the size and location of the tumor — some may only require observation, while others are surgically removed to relieve pressure and prevent complications.

These benign tumors develop on the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear with the brain. They can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues as they grow.

These are generally benign tumors that occur in the pituitary gland. They can affect hormone levels, leading to various systemic symptoms like vision problems, headaches, or hormonal imbalances

Acromegaly is a rare disorder caused by the overproduction of growth hormone (GH). This excess GH leads to abnormal growth of bones, cartilage, and soft tissues in adults.

Cushing's disease is a specific type of Cushing's syndrome, a condition caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of the hormone cortisol. In Cushing's disease, the culprit is a non-cancerous tumor in the pituitary gland that produces too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This excess ACTH then signals the adrenal glands to produce excessive cortisol.

These benign tumors develop near the pituitary gland and can affect its function, leading to hormonal imbalances and vision problems.

A Rathke cleft cyst is a benign, fluid-filled cyst that develops near the pituitary gland. Though noncancerous, it can cause headaches, vision changes, or hormonal imbalances when it grows large enough to press on nearby structures. Treatment may involve monitoring or surgical drainage to relieve symptoms.

Characterized by sudden, severe facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia occurs when a blood vessel compresses the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. Treatment may include medication, nerve blocks, or surgical decompression to relieve pressure on the nerve.

This condition causes involuntary twitching or contraction of muscles on one side of the face due to irritation of the facial nerve. Microsurgical decompression or targeted Botox® injections can help restore normal facial movement and reduce discomfort.

Involving sharp pain in the throat, tongue, or ear, this rare condition results from compression of the glossopharyngeal nerve. Treatment options include medications to control pain or surgical decompression to relieve nerve pressure.

This structural defect occurs when brain tissue extends into the spinal canal, often disrupting cerebrospinal fluid flow and causing headaches, neck pain, or balance issues. Surgical treatment can restore normal fluid movement and relieve symptoms.

SSCD occurs when a small hole develops in the bone overlying the inner ear canal, leading to hearing loss, dizziness, or sound sensitivity. Surgical repair can correct the defect and significantly improve balance and hearing.