ANTEROLATERAL SKULL BASE TUMORS

Introduction: Neoplasms involving the anterolateral skull base are rare. We describe our experience at a major cancer referral center. Methods and Materials: Records of patients since 1992, presenting with neoplasms involving the base of the skull bounded medially by sphenoid sinus, anteriorly by the sphenoid wings, and laterally by petrous internal carotid artery, were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The median age of 28 patients was 47 years. Sarcomas were the most common tumors (46%). Squamous-cell carcinomas, chordomas and atypical/anaplastic meningiomas totaled 36%. Spread to the dura, brain or along perineural space occurred in 43%. Patients frequently required multiple surgeries (60%), chemotherapy (71%), and radiotherapy (61%). Median follow-up spanned 3.8 years. Median time to recurrence was 18.9 months. Thirty-six percent of the patients were alive without cancer and 32% with cancer, while 21% of patients had died from cancer. Two patients were lost to follow-up and 1 patient died of pulmonary embolism. The 1-year and 5-year survivals were 88% and 63% respectively. Conclusion: Anterolateral skull base tumor management is challenging. Tumor control and a useful survival benefit can be achieved in most patients.