UCI Head N Neck

Have you recently heard the term skull base tumor and wondered what it means? A skull base tumor is an abnormal growth that develops beneath the brain or in the area between the brain and the skull. While many skull base tumors are non-cancerous, they can still pose serious health risks because of their location near vital structures such as the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and major blood vessels.

What Are the Early Symptoms of a Skull Base Tumor?

The symptoms of a skull base tumor often depend on the tumor's size, type, and exact location. In the early stages, symptoms can be subtle and may include persistent headaches, dizziness, balance problems, or changes in hearing and vision. Because these symptoms can resemble other medical conditions, they are sometimes overlooked or misdiagnosed.

How Does a Skull Base Tumor Affect the Body?

As a skull base tumor grows, it may place pressure on nearby nerves or brain tissue. This can lead to more serious complications, including double vision, hearing loss, vision loss, facial weakness, difficulty swallowing, and speech problems. Some patients may also experience cognitive changes, memory difficulties, or facial paralysis. In severe cases, the tumor can compress the brain, creating a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you are experiencing ongoing headaches, unexplained dizziness, hearing changes, vision problems, or any neurological symptoms, it is important to seek medical evaluation. An ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) or neurosurgeon can perform diagnostic testing to determine whether a skull base tumor or another condition is causing your symptoms.

Congenital atresia of the ear occurs when the ear canal develops abnormally or does not develop at all. The condition can occur by itself or in combination with other anomalies involving the head or neck. Congenital atresia of the ear most often affects the right ear; however, it can occur bilaterally or only in the left ear.

At UCI Head & Neck, you have access to the top ear, nose and throat specialists in the country. Our surgeons are well-known for their ongoing research and innovative treatment techniques, and our work provides relief for patients every day.

A skull base tumor forms under the brain, or between the brain and skull. Most of these tumors are non-cancerous, but their location near the spinal cord and brain can make them serious health problems. 

The brain is protected from physical trauma and infection by a clear fluid called cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF. The diagnosis of a CSF spinal fluid Leakage begins with a complete evaluation that includes the patient’s current symptoms, past medical history, and a physical examination. 

Surfer’s ear, which is the common name for exostosis, develops when there is abnormal bone growth in the ear canal. The ear canal becomes constricted and thick, which leads to conductive hearing loss. Earwax and shed cells can become trapped in the canal, leading to frequent middle ear infections. The most common reason why people get surfer’s ear is exposure to cold water and windy conditions that blow the water into the ear canal. That is why the condition is prevalent in people who surf, swim, or dive.  Surfer Ear Surgery

Congenital atresia of the ear occurs when the ear canal develops abnormally or does not develop at all. The condition can occur by itself or in combination with other anomalies involving the head or neck. Congenital atresia of the ear most often affects the right ear; however, it can occur bilaterally or only in the left ear.

The petrous apex is an area of the temporal bone of the skull. It is located about two or three inches in from the outer ear. This location makes the petrous apex very difficult to reach when medical intervention is required, which occurs if the area develops a lesion, such as a cyst, or a tumor.