Observing a brain scan

Brain and Skull Base Tumors

Brain & skull base tumors comprise a wide spectrum of tumor types

We treat all types of brain tumors with leading-edge technology and novel therapeutic approaches.

On this page: Overview | Types | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Resources

What is a Brain Tumor?

The term brain tumor encompasses growths that are both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) originating from brain cells, tissues, and structures. Skull base tumors arise in the bony structures and coverings of the brain.

Facts About Brain Tumors

  • An estimated 700,000 Americans are living with a primary brain tumor
  • Approximately 70% of all brain tumors are benign
  • Approximately 30% of all brain tumors are malignant
  • Approximately 58% of all brain tumors occur in females
  • Approximately 42% of all brain tumors occur in males
  • An estimated 84,170 people will receive a primary brain tumor diagnosis in 2021

Reference: https://braintumor.org/brain-tumor-information/brain-tumor-facts/

Types of Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are usually classified into primary brain tumors (which include skull base tumors and pituitary tumors) and secondary (metastatic) brain tumors. Metastatic brain tumors arise from a cancer from elsewhere in the body. Skull base tumors may be primary (arising in that specific location) or metastatic in origin (arising from a cancer elsewhere).

Primary brain tumors

Primary brain tumors comprise a wide spectrum of benign and malignant neoplasms that may arise from:

It is estimated that there are at least 60,000 primary brain tumors diagnosed annually in the United States.

Metastatic brain tumors

Secondary brain tumors or metastatic brain tumors that arise from cancers elsewhere in the body are unfortunately common. They most often are seen in patients with cancers of the lung, breast, melanoma, colon, kidney and thyroid.

It is estimated that at least 10-30% of cancer patients develop brain metastases. In total, it is estimated that approximately 200,000 patients per year are diagnosed with metastatic brain tumors in the United States, most of which come from tumors arising.

Brain Tumor Symptoms

Given their location, brain tumors and skull base tumors may produce a variety of symptoms including:

  • Headache
  • Facial pain
  • Seizures
  • Visual loss
  • Double vision
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Numbness
  • Difficulty walking
  • Incoordination
  • Confusion and personality changes

Brain Tumor Diagnosis

Brain tumors and tumors of the skull base are best diagnosed by imaging studies, typically a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain with gadolinium or a computer tomography (CT) scan of the brain.

Sometimes focused MRIs of the pituitary region, temporal bones, internal auditory canals or orbits may be needed to obtain better anatomical detail of a tumor.

Other tests may also be needed such as:

  • Angiography (typically now performed as a CT angiogram or an MR angiogram)
  • Magnetic resonance spectroscopy
  • Positron emission tomography (PET)
  • Visual field tests
  • Audiograms
  • Hormonal lab tests

Brain Tumor Treatment

The optimal treatment of patients with brain tumors is dependent upon several factors including the tumor type, location, symptoms, and overall health status of the patient.

Therapy may include: