Skull Base and Bone

Tumors and non-neoplastic lesions involve the bones and adjacent soft tissues of the maxillofacial region and skull base. These occur in children and adults and include a wide range of benign and malignant lesions. Benign lesions include meningiomas and aneurysmal bone cysts. Malignant tumors include sarcomas such as osteosarcomas, chondrosarcomas, and fibrosarcoma and other tumors such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and metastases. Other lesions that mimic tumors include developmental cysts, fibrous dysplasia, and osteomas. Not only may these lesions invade the orbit, but they can also involve the cavernous sinus, sella turcica, and cranial nerves. Knowledge of the imaging features of these tumors is essential for patient care, including surgical resection and avoiding unnecessary treatments.