Their intimate involvement of the blood vessels and nerves at the base of the skull often make their treatment quite challenging. Schwannomas, otherwise known as neuromas, arise from the coverings of the cranial nerves and are a common tumor addressed by skull-base specialists. When such a tumor arises from the VIIIth, it is called an acoustic neuroma or vestibular schwannoma. These tumors affect the function of the cranial nerves from which they arise. Other tumors which may arise from the skull-base are many in number but less common in occurrence including chordomas, chondrosarcomas, squamous cell carcinomas and other nasopharyngeal carcinomas that have extended into the base of the skull.
Pituitary adenomas can grow extensively into the base of the skull, as well.
Epidermoid tumors, dermoid tumors and metastasis or spread of tumor from other parts of the body also can affect the base of the skull. Some vascular lesions as well are addressed by the skull-base team including complex deep seated aneurysms of the vertebral basilar or internal carotid arteries. Observation with serial imaging studies to assess for progression of the abnormality. Radiation Chemotherapy Expectant management with periodic imaging without intervention might be indicated for a small tumor which is not causing significant neurologic problems in an older patient in whom the abnormality is not likely to greatly affect them in their lifetime. Surgery is recommended in cases where tissue is needed to make the appropriate diagnosis to guide further therapies and to remove the tumor or as much of it as is safely possible.