Skull Base Conditions

The base of your skull is the area where your brain meets your face, neck and ears. This region contains many important nerves and blood vessels that control how you see, hear, breathe and move. Because it is such a delicate area, any growth or defect that develops here needs expert care. 

At Banner Health, our ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists work closely with neurosurgeons and other experts to diagnose and treat skull base conditions. We offer advanced, minimally invasive treatments designed to help you heal with less discomfort and a faster recovery. 

What are skull base conditions? 

“Skull base” refers to the bottom part of the skull, just above the nasal passages, sinuses and ears. Conditions that affect this area can include: 

• Benign (non-cancerous) growths such as pituitary tumors, meningiomas or cysts 
• Malignant (cancerous) tumors that may spread from nearby areas 
• Congenital defects (present at birth), such as small holes or abnormal openings in the skull base 
• Infections or inflammatory conditions that affect nearby nerves or tissues 

Symptoms to watch for 

Symptoms depend on where the condition develops, but common signs may include: 

• Frequent headaches or facial pain 
• Vision or hearing changes 
• Loss of smell or taste 
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) 
• Numbness, weakness or tingling in the face 
• Problems with balance or coordination 
• Persistent nasal drainage or nosebleeds 

If you notice these symptoms, especially if they get worse over time, it’s important to see a doctor. Early diagnosis gives you more treatment options. 

How skull base conditions are diagnosed 

Your doctor may use a combination of tests to better understand your condition, such as: 

• Imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs to take detailed pictures of the skull and brain 
• Endoscopy, using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside the nose and sinuses 
• Biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken to check for cancer or other disease 
• Hearing, vision or nerve tests to see how the condition may be affecting nearby functions 

Treatment options at Banner Health 

Because the skull base is such a complex area, treatment requires a team approach. At Banner, our ENT specialists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists and other experts work together to build the right plan for you. 

Treatment may include: 

• Minimally invasive surgery through the nose or sinuses, which avoids large incisions and allows for faster recovery 
• Traditional surgery if a larger or more complex tumor needs to be removed 
• Radiation therapy or radiosurgery to shrink or destroy tumors that can’t be removed with surgery 
• Medication to manage symptoms or slow tumor growth 
• Rehabilitation and support services to help with speech, swallowing, vision or balance after treatment 

Why choose Banner Health for skull base care? 

• Expert team approach: You’ll have access to ENT specialists, neurosurgeons and cancer experts who work together on your care. 
• Advanced technology: We use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, leading to shorter hospital stays and faster healing. 
• Personalized support: From diagnosis to recovery, our care team is here to guide you and your family every step of the way. 

What to expect next 

If you’ve been told you may have a skull base condition - or if you’re experiencing symptoms - our team is here to help. We’ll guide you through diagnosis, explain all your options and create a treatment plan that fits your needs. 

Find a skull base specialist near you to request an appointment.