Pediatric Skull Base Tumors

Pediatric brain tumors are the second leading cause of death from cancer in children. These tumors can not only affect the central nervous system, but can also affect the bones of the skull such as the orbit, the bones of the ear, and spine. Their cause is unknown, but there are two risk factors: ionizing radiation and specific genetic syndromes, such as neurofibromatosis.

Diagnosis is done by MRI and biopsy, and treatment includes chemotherapy and radiotherapy, in addition to surgical resection.