Anterior/Lateral Skull Base Surgery in Ahmedabad
Anterior/Lateral Skull Base Surgery in Ahmedabad
The skull base refers to the floor of the cranium, the part of the skull on which the brain rests. It consists of five bones, separating the brain from the sinuses and other parts of the head. The skull base is a complex part of the body. There are a number of openings in the skull base to allow important blood vessels and nerves to pass through.
About
If you or your loved one is diagnosed to have a skull base tumor, Dr Supreet Bhatt is one of the highly skilled and learned head and neck cancer surgeons in Ahmedabad. He will help you to understand your treatment, so that you can get the best outcome possible. He is a well trained skull base surgeon, who places a strong emphasis on completely removing the tumor while preserving quality of life.
What is the skull base?
The skull base refers to the floor of the cranium, the part of the skull on which the brain rests. It consists of five bones, separating the brain from the sinuses and other parts of the head.
The bones that make up the skull base include:
- The ethmoid bone, which divides the nasal cavity from the brain
- The sphenoid bone, which helps form the skull base, sides of the skull, and the sides of the eye sockets
- The occipital bone, which forms the back and base of the skull
- A pair of frontal bones, which make up the forehead and the upper part of the eye sockets
- A pair of temporal bones, which form the lateral walls of the skull
The skull base is a complex part of the body. There are a number of openings in the skull base to allow important blood vessels and nerves to pass through.
What are skull base tumors?
Skull base tumors are growths that can form along the base of the skull or directly below the skull base in areas such as the sinuses. Many are benign (non-cancerous) and grow slowly over time. In rare cases, a skull base tumor can be cancerous, which means that it is able to spread to other parts of the body.
Types of skull base tumors
A skull base tumor refers to the location of the tumor. But skull base tumors are not all the same. There are different types of tumors. And each type of skull base tumor grows slightly differently, which is an important consideration during treatment. Types of skull base tumors include:
- Acoustic neuromas
- Chordomas
- Chondrosarcomas
- Craniopharyngiomas
- Meningiomas
- Paranasal sinus cancers
Sign & Symptoms
Most skull base tumors do not cause symptoms. When symptoms do arise, they can vary greatly.
- Asymptomatic: most commonly
- Pressure on the brain: Headache, Nausea
- Hormonal changes: in the pituitary gland
- Vision problems: compression on the optic nerves
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis
Skull base tumors can be challenging to diagnose. Most of the tumors do not cause any symptoms, so the possibility of a skull base tumor is overlooked. Most people discover to have a skull base tumor after having a scan for an unrelated health condition.
MRI scan of the brain is the tool of choice to determine the exact size and location of the tumor. Blood tests to measure hormone levels may also be needed, especially if a pituitary tumor is suspected.
Treatment
The treatment of choice for skull base tumor patients is surgical- either a minimally invasive endoscopic operation or traditional open surgery with cranio-facial resection (CFR)
Open Cranio-Facial resections are very complex and demanding surgeries and need teamwork including a head and neck oncosurgeon, a neurosurgeon and a plastic surgeon.
Dr Supreet Bhatt is specially trained for such complex surgeries. A proper selection of the patient is very vital as we have to weigh risk of the complex surgeries and benefits in terms of survival increment. Dr Bhatt has a vast experience of treating such tumors.
Why Choose Us
- We have in our team a group of skull base tumor experts, which includes a head and neck cancer surgeon, a neurosurgeon, a plastic surgeon and radiation oncologist.
- We closely monitor people who are at risk for side effects. This vigilance allows us to give our patients the best quality of life possible.
Surgical Skill
- Surgery is often part of the treatment for skull base tumors. The location deep in the structures of the head presents significant challenges because important nerves, blood vessels and brain structures may be involved.
- Our surgeons have pioneered techniques and surgical approaches that allow for maximum safe removal of tumors in this delicate and complex area. They are experts in open and minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical approaches to skull base tumors.
Advanced Radiation Therapy
- For patients with skull base tumors that are responsive to irradiation, radiation oncologists prepare three-dimensional treatment plans for the precise delivery of radiation therapy.
Rehabilitation and Quality of Life Issues
- We understand that quality of life is an important consideration during cancer treatment and recovery. Many patients can overcome limitations caused by skull base tumors or treatment effects with the help of caring professionals.
Personalized Treatment
- Treatment for tumors of the skull base may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of therapies. Surgeons in the Skull Base Tumor Program use both open and minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical approaches, depending on each patient's unique characteristics.
Ready to Schedule an Appointment?
Contact Dr. Supreet Bhatt to discuss your condition and treatment options.
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