Skull Base Tumour Treatment  

What is a Skull Base Tumour?

Skull base tumour and its different types are explained below:

• Skull Base Tumour Overview

The skull base is the lower part of the brain and it is bony. This is the part that separates the brain and the eyes, sinuses, ears, spine, and neck. All the nerves and blood vessels pass through the skull base to the rest of the body.

The skull base consists of 12 pairs of cranial nerves. These are responsible for sound, sight, smell, facial movement, swallowing, and more. At this critical part, even a small lesion can cause serious damage and so, medical intervention is a must. 

• Types of Skull Base Tumours

The skull base tumour may have developed in the skull base itself or have grown in nearby parts like the sinus, nose, ears, etc., and extended to the skull base.

Depending on the behaviour of the tumour, skull base tumour types are:

• Malignant Tumour

Malignant tumours are those that may spread to other body parts. These tumours also grow aggressively.

• Benign Tumour

Benign tumours are the ones that do not spread to other body parts but stay where they are. The growth of benign tumours may also be slow. 

Searching for the right centre for skull base tumour surgery in Jabalpur? Book your consultation today with Dr Arunkumar Karthikayan. 

Causes and Risk Factors for Skull Base Tumours

Sadly, there is no confirmed known cause for a skull base tumour. However, there are certain risk factors that may increase the probability of developing skull base tumours, like:

• Genetic and Lifestyle Factors

Certain genetic conditions may be the reason behind the skull base tumours in some people. A common condition is neurofibromatosis which is a genetic disorder. Although skull base tumours are rare, lifestyle can also be a risk factor, especially in people who consume tobacco and alcohol. 

• Radiation Exposure and Skull Base Tumours

Long-term exposure to radiation or certain chemicals can also be risk factors for skull base tumours. However, you must note that nothing is confirmed when it comes to the causes of skull base tumours.

• Risk Factors for Skull Base Tumours

Most people who develop skull base tumours have never encountered any risk factors. So, it may just be bad luck for bad timing in biology. 

Looking for the best neurosurgeon for skull base tumours in Jabalpur? Connect with Dr Arun Karthik today. 

Symptoms of Skull Base Tumours

When a skull base tumour develops in any part of the skull base, it usually gives signs. Some of the symptoms of skull base tumours are listed below:

• Common Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms associated are skull base tumours, headaches, hearing loss, etc. Here is the list:

• Persistent headaches
• Hearing loss
• Constant ringing in one ear
• Vision problems
• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Speech problems
• Dizziness
• Loss of smell
• Difficulty swallowing
• Neurological Symptoms

Tumours in the skull base can also severely impact neurological alignment. Thus, problems like skull base tumour balance issues, etc., may occur. Common neurological symptoms are:

• Memory loss
• Balance problems
• Facial weakness
• Facial pain

Diagnosis of Skull Base Tumours

The signs and symptoms of skull base tumours are easy to ignore at first. That’s why most tumours are diagnosed at a later phase or accidentally during scans. Skull base tumour diagnoses are explained below:

• Neurological Examination for Skull Base Tumours

During neurological examinations, the doctor tests eye movement, reflexes, facial functions, hearing, and balance. 

• Imaging Techniques

If suspicion still exists after a neurological exam, imaging may be done for further confirmation. This includes:

• CT Scan: To understand how the bones are related to the tumour
• MRI Scan: To get a detailed image of the soft tissues

• Biopsy for Skull Base Tumours

In some cases, a biopsy may be required to confirm the type of tumour, if found. In a biopsy, a tissue sample is collected to send to the lab for confirmation.

Treatment Options for Skull Base Tumours

Skull base tumour treatment may vary. It depends on the size, growth speed, and location of the tumour. 

If the tumour is very small and not growing much, the doctor may recommend waiting and watching. Timely scans are done to keep an eye on the movement of the tumour. In other cases, skull base tumour treatment options are:

• Surgery for Skull Base Tumours

Surgery is usually the approach in cases where tumours can be dangerous to the patient. Skull base tumour surgery procedures are of two types:

• Open Surgery: It is the traditional approach in which a passage is created to the skull to remove the tumour
• Endoscopic Surgery: The endoscopic skull base tumour surgery is a modern technique in which the doctor uses small specialised tools through the nose or mouth to guide the surgery. This is minimally invasive skull base tumour surgery with quicker recovery.

• Radiation Therapy for Skull Base Tumours

In some cases, it may not be possible to remove the entire tumour or the surgery may be very risky. The doctor may recommend radiation therapy if skull base tumour removal surgery is not the best fit. Stereotactic radiosurgery for skull base tumours, like CyberKnife or Gamma Knife, may be used to precisely target the tumour. It doesn’t cut out the tumour but kills it using radiation.

• Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapies

At last, chemotherapy may be used as a last resort by doctors in select cases. Skull base tumour chemotherapy is usually not required in most patients. A team of professionals, like ENT (Eye, Nose, Throat) specialists, neurosurgeons, endocrinologists, skull base tumour specialists, and oncologists, work together.

Tip: Get skull base tumour surgery in Jabalpur done by one of the highly experienced Dr Arunkumar Karthikayan. 

Recovery After Skull Base Tumour Surgery

A common concern for many patients is “What is the recovery time after skull base tumour surgery?” The recovery period depends on several factors, such as the size and location of the tumour, and the treatment used. However, most people find relief after treatment.

• Post-Operative Care and Hospital Stay

Some people may experience problems like vision, hearing, movement, or speech challenges post-treatment. This is where post-operative care matters the most. Physiotherapy, counselling, etc., play a crucial role in the recovery of the patient with skull base tumour memory loss, balance issues, and more.

• Recovery Timeline and Rehabilitation

The timeline for skull base tumour surgery recovery may differ from one patient to another since the cases also differ. For quicker recovery, it is crucial to follow the doctor’s advice and take the help of rehab and counselling. Remember, your doctor is there with you at each step to ensure your quicker recovery and long-term well-being. 

Tip: Targeted physiotherapy can be quite helpful in skull base tumours, facial pain, and other issues.

Risks and Complications of Skull Base Tumour Surgery

A common question that patients may ask is “What are the risks of skull base tumour surgery?” The skull base tumour surgery is focused on removing the tumour for long-term relief to the patient. Like any other surgery, there are certain risks of skull base tumour surgery, like:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Headaches
• Temporary/permanent loss of hearing or vision, etc. 

The skull base tumour recovery and risks will be carefully explained by the doctor. It varies from patient to patient. Following the doctor’s recommendations is important for quick recovery.

Cost of Skull Base Tumour Treatment in Jabalpur

We perform one of the most affordable skull base tumour surgeries in Jabalpur. The final cost may depend on certain factors. People with health insurance may also benefit.

• Factors Influencing the Cost of Treatment

The skull base tumour surgery cost in Jabalpur may be influenced by multiple factors. Common ones are the type of treatment done, the size of the tumour, and after-care. The diagnostic tests may also affect the overall costs. 

• Insurance and Cashless Payment Options

People with health insurance policies can benefit from the insurance coverage. Before surgery, you may check if cashless payment options are available for your insurer at our hospital.

Why Choose Our Neurosurgery Team for Skull Base Tumour Treatment in Jabalpur?

Tumour treatments are sensitive concerns and so, you must choose nothing less than the best. There are many reasons why you may choose us:

• Skull Base Tumour Surgery Expertise

When it comes to the best skull base tumour surgeons in Jabalpur, Dr Arunkumar Karthikayan is one of the names. Having years of experience as a surgeon, Dr Arunkumar Karthikayan focuses not only on the treatment but also long-term relief. 

• Quicker Recovery with Minimally Invasive Surgery

Endoscopic techniques often means quicker recovery after surgery. Our skull base tumour specialist in Jabalpur, Dr Arunkumar Karthikayan, is a pioneer in the field of endoscopic skull base tumour surgery. 

• Comprehensive Patient-Centred Care

At our hospital, our entire hospital team works together to ensure quick recovery and comfortable treatment. We focus on patient-centered care so medical treatments never become a scary experience for any patient. Dr. Arunkumar, our skull base tumour neurosurgeon, is there with you during and even after the treatment.

Skull Base Tumour Treatment in Jabalpur: Register Today

Dr Arun Karthik is one of the expert neurosurgeons for skull base tumour surgery. If you are looking for skull base tumour surgery in Jabalpur, connect with us today.

FAQs 

What are skull base tumours?

Skull base tumours are the ones that develop over the skull base. Irrespective of the size and nature of the tumour, it may affect a patient’s well-being over time.

How are skull base tumours treated?

Depending on the size, location, growth rate, and nature of the tumour (benign or malignant), the treatment is planned. The skull base tumour surgery may involve:

• Chemotherapy
• Open surgery
• Endoscopic skull base tumour surgery
• Radiation therapy

How much does skull base tumour surgery cost?

The skull base tumour surgery cost may differ from one hospital to another and also depends on the type of surgery done. At our skull base tumour hospital in Jabalpur, we strive for the most affordable charges.

What are the symptoms of skull base tumours?

Common symptoms of skull base tumours are:

• Balance issues, etc.
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Persistent headaches
• Hearing loss
• Loss of smell
• Vision loss
• Facial pain
• Loss of speech