Skull base tumors form at the bottom of the skull and under the brain. Because of their location, these types of tumors are near critical nerves and blood vessels of the brain, spinal cord, head and neck. Even benign tumors in this area can cause symptoms that affect a patient’s health.
Choosing a Skull Base Tumor Specialist in Florida
Due to their location, skull base tumors require advanced diagnostic and treatment development. The multispecialty team in the Neuro-Oncology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center focus solely in the treatment of skull base tumor and other brain cancers.
Experience and Expertise
Our skull base treatment team collaborates weekly as a tumor board to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient. In these cases, our patients receive the benefit of having multiple expert opinions in one location. Our highly specialized team includes:
- Neurosurgeons
- Neurologists
- Medical oncologists
- Neuropathologists
Innovative Treatments
Treatment options will vary by patient but typically skull base tumors require surgery, many times in combination with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Surgeries can be challenging because of the difficulty in which important neuro-vascular structures in the head and neck are clustered together. As a high-volume cancer center, our Neuro-Oncology Program sees more spinal tumor patients than many other treatment centers. In addition, our neurosurgeons perform a high number of complex brain cancer procedures.
Why do Skull Base Patients Choose Moffitt?
At Moffitt, we are continuously spearheading groundbreaking research initiatives, including a robust clinical trial program, that gives our patients access to emerging skull base tumor treatment options. Thanks to our efforts, Moffitt is designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute – the only one based in Florida.
Here are more distinct advantages of choosing Moffitt for your care:
Spiritual and Emotional Support
We are committed to the well-being of our skull base tumor patients, their caregivers and families. Moffitt offers many programs and support services, including:
- Counseling and support
- Support groups
- Nutrition services
- Yoga, meditation and massage
Flexible Scheduling
With virtual visits, our patients can receive Moffitt-quality care without leaving the comfort of home. Depending on your situation, you may be able to virtually schedule a regular follow-up appointment, pre-visit information sessions and more.
Traveling to Moffitt
We also offer flexibility with several locations across the Tampa Bay area. In addition, Moffitt also has established partnerships with Memorial Healthcare System and AdventHealth.
For patients from throughout Florida requiring lodging overnight, Moffitt has partnered with several nearby hotels that provide discounted rates, and in some cases, shuttle services.
If you would like to learn more about the diagnosis or treatment of skull base tumors at Moffitt Cancer Center, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online.
