Meningioma of the Skull Base
How We Can Help You
A meningioma of the skull base is usually a noncancerous and slow-growing tumor that develops in the covering of the base of the brain. Meningiomas may not require treatment, unless they press on surrounding brain tissue, nerves, or blood vessels.
The Stanford Skull Base Program is known for innovation, collaborative multi-specialty care, and compassion. It is global referral center for the diagnosis and treatment of meningiomas.
What We Offer You for Meningioma of the Skull Base
- Globally-recognized expertise in the diagnosis and management of meningiomas of the skull base.
- Team-based treatment planning that brings together specialists from skull base neurosurgery, ENT, neuroradiology, radiation oncology, neuropathology, audiology, and more.
- Access to advanced imaging including neuronavigation of the brain to help surgeons more clearly distinguish tumors from sensitive surrounding tissues.
- Comprehensive support services like nutritional and emotional support to help you with your specific symptoms and the challenges of this experience.
- An active clinical research program dedicated to broadening options for the diagnosis and treatment of meningiomas.
- Assistance from our International Medical Services team to plan your travel and accommodations.
Treatment Options for Meningioma of the Skull Base
Recommendations for treatment depend on the size and location of the tumor, its rate of growth, and details of your overall health. Many meningiomas do not require immediate treatment.
Active Surveillance
If you have a slow-growing type of meningioma that isn’t causing symptoms, your doctor may recommend periodic MRI imaging without other interventions.
Combination Treatment
Some complex meningiomas are located deep within the base of the brain or are intertwined with critical structures like cranial nerves or blood vessels. In some cases, these tumors are managed with a combination of surgery and radiation therapy.
Tumor Genomic Profiling
Some tumor types have specific genetic markers that might respond to certain medications. We will work to decode the genetic blueprint of the tumor to determine which medications may be right for you.
Medication to Treat Symptoms
If the meningioma is causing symptoms, we may recommend medication to manage them. These medications may include:
- Anticonvulsants to reduce pain and risk of seizures caused by the tumor
- Steroid medications to reduce any swelling of the brain
Surgery
Skull Base Surgery is the most common treatment for meningiomas in the base of the skull and often is the only treatment required. All Stanford surgeons who treat meningiomas either have skull base fellowship training or specialize in treating brain tumors. We offer two minimally invasive approaches:
- Endoscopic endonasal surgery reaches the tumor through the nose, avoiding the need for external incisions.
- Keyhole surgery requires only a small opening in the skull to access the tumor.
Our doctors use an advanced imaging technology including intraoperative MRI scans and neuronavigation of the brain to more clearly distinguish the contours of tumors from healthy, sensitive tissues. That improves the safety and success of surgery.
Radiation Therapy
Your doctor may recommend radiation therapy as a standalone treatment for meningioma or as additional treatment to destroy any tumor cells that may remain after surgery.
We offer advanced options to deliver the maximum safe dose directly to the target tissue.
- CyberKnife is a robotic, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) system that was developed at Stanford. It delivers precise pulses of high-dose radiation to the target tissue, while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, sometimes referred to as IMRT, conforms the radiation beam to the contours of the tumor and customizes intensity of the radiation pulses to the various densities of the tumor tissue.
Clinical Trials for Meningioma of the Skull Base
Clinical trials evaluate new approaches, devices, or medications in the treatment of meningioma. Ask your doctor or clinical trials coordinator about available trials that may be additional options for your care.
To learn more about the clinical trials we offer, contact Maria Coburn at 650-736-9551.
Our Clinics
To schedule an appointment, please call: 650-497-7777
Meningioma of the Skull Base
Our brain tumor specialists have expertise in safe, effective meningioma treatment that provides the best possible outcome for even the most complex cases.
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