Malignant tumors of the anterior skull base

Abstract

Background: Cancers of the paranasal sinuses or nasal cavity are the most common malignant tumors of the anterior skull base. Several types of tumors occur in this location, including cancers of endodermal, mesodermal, and epidermal origins. Although anterior skull base surgery is a relatively recent approach in treating these tumors, widespread changes have already occurred in procedural methods and treatment goals. Methods: We review the tumor types that occur in the anterior skull base and discuss the current treatment options, including multimodal therapy and the team approach to surgery. Surgical techniques are also described. Results: Management of anterior skull base cancer is complex due to the anatomic detail of the region and the variety of cancers that occur in this area. Currently, the "gold standard" for surgery is the anterior craniofacial approach. Combined with adjuvant radiation therapy, 5-year disease-free survival rates have increased to 50%, with some tumors such as adenocarcinomas and esthesioneuroblastomas reaching up to 80% 5-year survival rates. Potential complications include cerebrospinal fluid leakage, meningitis, abscess formation, and pneumocephalus. Conclusions: Treatment of anterior skull base cancer is complex due to the significant anatomic detail of the region and the variety of cancers that occur in this area. Multimodal therapy through a team approach is the optimal management approach for these tumors.