What is a skull base tumor?

The skull base is the junction between the base of the brain and the face. It slopes from above the eyes to the back of the head. The spinal cord, multiple nerves and major blood vessels of brain pass through openings in the skull base. Tumors arising from this area are called skull base tumors.

Types of skull base tumors

• They can be benign or malignant
• They can be primary or secondary depending on the pathology

What are the symptoms?

• Facial pain or numbness
• Facial weakness
• Headache
• Recurrent sinus problems
• Stuffed up nose
• Loss of sense of smell
• Visual loss or double vision
• Hearing loss or ringing in ears
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Shortness of breath
• Hoarseness of voice or loss of voice
• Difficulty in swallowing and frequent choking