The skull base is the area of the skull where the brain sits. The easiest access point for the skull base is through the nasal cavity, at the sloped area of the skull. Skull base surgery is performed in response to lesions or tumors on the brain. The surgery itself in terms of medical history is fairly recent. Because of the delicate nature of the location, a team of specialists is often consulted. This team may be made up of head and neck surgeons, radiologists and skull base surgeons.
Skull Base Surgery can be minimally invasive. Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA) surgery is minimally invasive. The surgery is performed through the nose and sinuses. The procedure is performed in response to a lesion on the brain or brain tumor.
In the past, when a lesion or brain tumor was found, an open craniotomy was performed. An open craniotomy involves cutting open the scalp and skull in order for surgeons to access the tumor. With the Endoscopic Endonasal Approach, there is no scarring, it is less likely there will be complications and recovery time is shorter. The goal is to remove the tumor or lesion with the least damage to the body.
Symptoms of head and neck cancer often present themselves with a headache, pressure in the sinuses, a stuffy nose and more. These symptoms are often the same type of symptoms as allergies. However, if symptoms don’t disperse or appear suddenly, be sure to make an appointment with a doctor to discuss the source of the problem.
Many doctors believe that the initial treatment is the most important and has the best odds for success. As a result, surgeons attempt to gather as much information about the tumor or lesion as possible before beginning surgery. Tumors or lesions have the potential to spread to other parts of the body or brain and may adversely impair additional body functions such as eyesight.
In order to get an accurate diagnosis, several doctors and surgeons should be consulted. If you believe you have a head or neck tumor, be sure to seek the help of a specialist instead of a general practitioner. It is important to work with someone familiar with your type of problem. Getting the best possible care will increase odds of survival.
Every patient and every tumor is unique. No one person will respond to treatments in the same way. Therefore it is crucial to work with a team who can be flexible and tailor treatment and surgery to individual needs. Sometimes chemotherapy and radiation are required in addition to skull base surgery.
Patient recovery times vary after skull base surgery. Recovery times and requirements vary depending upon the location of the lesion, the size of the lesion, interaction of the lesion with surrounding vital bodily functions, and the effectiveness of the skull base surgery. Patients recovering from skull base surgery should follow their physician’s instructions and keep in close contact with their medical professional regarding any changes that occur soon after surgery that could be related to the procedure.
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