Overview of the Skull Base Program
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The skull base is the area that separates the brain from all other structures around it. It is located behind the eyes and nose. When tumors or other abnormalities form in this area, they can affect the very sensitive nerves around them. Tumors can be challenging to reach, and surgery poses a risk due to the close proximity to the brain and nearby important blood vessels and nerves.
Skull base surgery is complex, and requires an experienced, multidisciplinary team approach. At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, our Skull Base Program team consists of highly skilled otolaryngologists, neurosurgeons and ophthalmologists. With decades of experience, the team offer world-class expertise to treat even the most complicated of cases. Using the latest surgical treatments, our team of specialists work in close collaboration to give each patient comprehensive, compassionate and individualized care.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is designated as a North American Skull Base Society (NASBS) Multidisciplinary Team of Distinction. This prestigious recognition is awarded to institutions with multidisciplinary skull base surgery teams, which include professionals from a variety of specialties, including neurosurgery, otolaryngology, radiology, and more, and with at least four NASBS members. The designation highlights the Skull Base Program’s excellence in collaborative care and commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality care for patients with skull base pathologies.
What We Treat
We treat a range of tumors and other conditions affecting the skull base area. Both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors in the skull base must be evaluated by the skull base team because even benign tumors can cause damage in the skull base region.
As well as tumor management, the Skull Base Program treats many other conditions such as cerebrospinal fluid leaks, encephaloceles, meningoceles and optic nerve decompression.
Tumors we treat:
- Acoustic Neuroma
- Adenocarcinoma
- Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
- Angiofibroma
- Cholesterol granuloma
- Chondroma
- Chondrosarcoma
- Craniopharyngioma
- Dermoid
- Esthesioneuroblastoma
- Fibrous dysplasia
- Hemangiopericytoma
- Inverted papilloma
- Meningioma
- Metastasis to skull base
- Neurofibroma
- Osteoma
- Osteosarcoma
- Paraganglioma
- Pituitary tumors
- Rhabdomyosarcoma
- Schwannoma
- Sino Nasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma (SNUC)
- Squamous cell carcinoma
Innovative Approaches to Complex Head and Neck Surgery
At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we are at the very forefront of life-saving and life-changing head and neck surgery. Thanks to our innovation and expertise within the field, we are improving outcomes for patients.
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Diagnosis & Treatment
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Diagnosis of Skull Base Tumors and Conditions
After obtaining a complete medical history and performing a thorough physical examination, one or more of the following non-invasive tests may be ordered:
- Computerized Tomography (CT) scan: A scan which uses X-rays and computers to produce detailed images of inside the body.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan: A scan which uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of inside the body.
- MRI Cisternography: A noninvasive scan which can detect the presence of cerebrospinal fluid and show its movement around the brain or spine in the images it produces.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/CT scan: Combining a CT scan with a PET scan, the technique produces detailed information via a 3 dimensional image.
Treatment of Skull Base Tumors and Conditions
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s skull base team provides a wide range of surgical options to our patients. Whenever possible, we offer patients minimally invasive, endoscopic endonasal approaches to skull base surgery. However, there are certain conditions when open surgery is more appropriate.
We offer patients the most advanced, technological advances in treatments, including the latest navigation systems which help us to perform a more accurate surgery and offer better outcomes to patients.
In some cases, skull base tumors need to be observed and no surgery is necessary.
Other types of tumors may need treatment with chemotherapy or radiation depending on multiple factors such as the type of tumor, its size and its location. Our skull base team discuss every treatment option with our patients so they can make an informed choice that meets their treatment and personal needs.
Meet Our Team
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The highly skilled, multidisciplinary Skull Base Program team offers decades of experience in skull base surgery. The team consists of:
- Otolaryngologists
- Neurosurgeons
- Ophthalmologists
- Medical Oncologists
- Radiation Oncologists
- Specialist Nurses
