Cancerous Tumor in Meckel’s Cave on the Trigeminal Nerve

A Patient’s Experience With a Rare Trigeminal Nerve Tumor

“I am grateful for Dr. Kelly and his team. Through what could have been a terrifying process I had the leading expert in the field next to me answering all of my fears and questions and allowing me to experience healing instilled with the knowing I had received the best possible care anywhere.”

– Gary

Early Symptoms and the Search for Answers

In the Spring of last year the right side of my face started to go superficially numb. I was living and working in Costa Rica at the time and had no access to serious medical care. By August I could not be so casual about it as my face started to hurt while the numbness increased.

After returning to California I was examined by a neurologist whose initial impression was that I had an infection on my trigeminal nerve, a nerve located within my skull that controlled sensation for my lips, nose eyes and scalp. An MRI was conducted and the results showed something more complex than an infection.

Diagnosis of a Tumor in Meckel’s Cave

I was referred to neurosurgeon Dr. Daniel Kelly as an operation was necessary to determine what was growing along my trigeminal nerve and causing me pain and numbness of my face.

Facing an operation on my brain was not something I took lightly. With the seriousness of the circumstances, I researched my options and discovered Dr. Kelly and his team were the most experienced and respected team of brain tumor specialists in the country.

Minimally Invasive Surgery Through the Nasal Cavity

I learned that Dr. Kelly had helped pioneer a minimally invasive surgical approach where he could get into my brain through my nasal cavity which was far less intrusive than accessing the nerve site through the exterior. This was especially meaningful to my family as my uncle did not have a positive experience with his surgery accessing the brain from the outside.

Treatment for a Rare Cancer in Meckel’s Cave

On October 9 I underwent a 7 hour procedure. We learned I did indeed have a cancerous growth on the Meckel’s Cave of my trigeminal nerve. The cancer was identified as squamous cell carcinoma. This was highly unusual and rare to find this cancer in this location.

I underwent a seven-week course of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Follow-up imaging at the end of December showed that I was cancer free, a status that remains true today.

Recovery and Gratitude

I am grateful for Dr. Kelly and his team. Through what could have been a terrifying process I had the leading expert in the field next to me answering all of my fears and questions and allowing me to experience healing instilled with the knowledge I had received the best possible care anywhere. My case turned out to be highly unusual and it none-the-less ended with a very positive result. I am so grateful for the care I received allowing me to return to a productive life.

Expert Care for Rare Skull Base and Trigeminal Nerve Tumors

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a rare skull base tumor, trigeminal nerve tumor, or cancer involving Meckel’s Cave, the specialists at Pacific Neuroscience Institute offer advanced diagnostic evaluation, minimally invasive surgical options, and comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment.

Learn more or request a consultation with the Brain Tumor and Skull Base Surgery team at PNI.

Last updated: September 18th, 2025