Malignant tumors of the skull base.

Abstract

Malignant tumors of the skull base have traditionally been difficult to control because of adjacent crucial anatomical structures and because of the inherent difficulty in accessing/resecting tumors and reconstructing surgical defects. Techniques in craniofacial surgery for malignant tumors of the skull base have advanced significantly since their first description. Advances in neuroimaging, surgical technique, perioperative care, and adjuvant treatment have contributed to improved results. Because the majority of malignant tumors requiring craniofacial resection involve the anterior skull base, this review focuses mainly on state-of-the-art surgical techniques as well as pertinent variations, complications and results.