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Stanford Health Care

Symptoms

How We Can Help You

 

Osteomas are benign, slow growing bony tumors that develop on the skull base or near the sinus cavity. In fact, they are the most common type of sinus tumor. 

Treatment at an academic medical center which manages a high volume of osteomas is important for the best outcomes.

Stanford is a global referral center for osteomas and is at the forefront of developing new, minimally invasive procedures that treat them.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU FOR OSTEOMAS

  • Globally-recognized expertise in the diagnosis and management of osteomas.
  • Team-based treatment planning that brings together specialists from neurosurgery, head and neck surgery, neuroradiology, neuropathology, and more.
  • Access to advanced imaging and surgery techniques.
  • An active clinical research program dedicated to broadening options for the diagnosis and treatment of osteomas.
  • Assistance from our International Medical Services team to plan your travel and accommodations.

Treatment Options for Osteoma

Recommendations for treatment depend on the size and location of the tumor, its rate of growth, and details of your overall health. Many osteomas do not require immediate treatment.

Active Surveillance
If you have a small tumor that isn’t causing symptoms, your doctor may recommend periodic MRI imaging without other interventions.

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Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA) to Skull Base
Play Video | 3:57
Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA) to Skull Base
Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA) to Skull Base

Surgery
When surgery is recommended, osteomas can often be removed using a so-called endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). That is a scarless surgery that allow your surgeon to follow a natural pathway through your nostril to access the tumor. Our operating rooms are equipped with 4K endoscopic visualization technology and very fine instruments.

More extensive osteomas may require open approaches through skin incisions along the scalp or face, but in many cases endoscopic techniques can be combined with open approaches to minimize the extent of incisions and to provide for faster recovery.

Clinical Trials

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Open Clinical Trials

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Clinical trials evaluate new approaches, devices, or medications in the treatment of Osteomas. 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.

Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.
View Closed Clinical Trials Symptoms

What is Osteoma?

Symptoms of Osteoma

Many osteomas are small and do not produce symptoms, so they are discovered when the head are sinuses are getting imaging for other reasons.

If the osteoma does cause symptoms, the symptoms tend to mimic the common cold or a sinus infection:

  • headaches,
  • pain or a feeling of fullness in the sinuses

If the osteoma is large, it  may block sinus drainage or compress nerves, or grow near the eye and affect vision.

Our Clinics

Skull Base Surgery Program
Skull base surgery is a highly-specialized field that addresses tumors and other abnormalities on the underside of the brain or base of the skull.
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Make An Appointment

To schedule an appointment, please call: 650-497-7777