Skull Base Tumors — Diagnosis and Treatment
Specialist evaluation of tumors at the base of the skull — where critical nerves and vessels are densely packed — including imaging review, type confirmation, and the least-invasive surgical options.
The skull base is the lower part of the skull that supports the brain. Its bones separate the brain from the sinuses, ears, and eyes, and they carry numerous openings through which important nerves and blood vessels pass. Tumors that arise here sit in a narrow, anatomically complex space.
Skull base tumors may be benign or malignant. Because they grow close to vital nerves and vessels, even a slow-growing, benign tumor can press on nearby structures and cause symptoms such as hearing loss or blurred vision — which is why the location matters as much as the tumor type.
They are commonly grouped by location. Posterior (back) skull base tumors are usually benign and include acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma), meningiomas, and paragangliomas. Anterior (front) skull base tumors sit near the eye sockets and sinuses and include pituitary tumors, meningiomas, and esthesioneuroblastomas.
Because these tumors are diverse and sit in a difficult location, precise diagnosis is essential. Dr. Zuhair Abu Salma reviews the history and examination findings alongside detailed imaging, and discusses the full range of options before any decision is made.
Treatment is matched to the tumor type, size, and impact. Options range from active observation, to minimally invasive endoscopic surgery through the nose (often suited to anterior and pituitary tumors), ear-based microsurgery for posterior tumors that spares the brainstem and nerves, focused radiation (Gamma Knife) for small or high-risk lesions, and open skull surgery when other routes cannot reach the tumor.
Common symptoms
- A change in the sense of smell
- Difficulty seeing or blurred vision
- Hearing loss or balance problems
- Headaches
- Difficulty swallowing
- Memory changes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Recurrent nosebleeds
When to see a doctor
- A skull base mass identified on imaging that needs a neurosurgical opinion
- New or worsening hearing loss, balance problems, or facial numbness
- New visual changes or a change in the sense of smell
- Difficulty swallowing, recurrent nosebleeds, or persistent unexplained headaches
What to expect at your visit
- A clear review of the imaging (MRI/CT) and what it shows about location and type
- A structured discussion of the options — observation, surgery, or focused radiation
- An explanation of the least-invasive surgical route suited to the tumor (endoscopic, ear-based, or open)
- Surgery planned with neuronavigation and continuous neuromonitoring to protect nearby nerves
Book your consultation
Book an appointment with Dr. Zuhair Abu Salma at Vetro Medical Center, Al-Khalidi Street, Amman.