Tumors at the base of the skull sit underneath the brain and are difficult to reach. Skull base tumors generally do not show symptoms until they become large enough to impair neurological functions, when they must be removed. Surgery can place significant stress on the brain as it is lifted out of the way to remove the tumor beneath it.
Skull base surgical procedures are designed to reduce risk to the brain by removing bones at the base of the skull, approaching the tumor from underneath. This can be done several ways, including traversing the bone containing the ear, low on the temple beneath the brain, around the eye, through the nose or from the neck, all minimally invasive and designed to give the surgeon the maximum in functionality and removal capability.
Jeffrey Jacob, M.D. explains skull base surgery:
When Sean was diagnosed with a very large and complex tumor at the base of his skull, his doctor suggested a visit to Dr. Jacob at Michigan Head & Spine Institute. As partners in Sean's surgery Dr. Seilesh Babu and Dr. Jacob gave Sean the opportunity to raise his children. Here's what Sean experienced in his own words:
Kevin was shocked to learn the numbness in his face and difficulty hearing was caused by an Acoustic Neuroma. His ENT referred him to Dr. Seilesh Babu at Michigan Ear Institute who partnered with Dr. Jeffrey Jacob to remove the tumor. Kevin shares his story and his music:
Stefan was disgnosed with a trigeminal schwannoma around age 17 and was told surgery to remove it was not necessary. Years later he experienced blurry vision in his right eye and sought the expertise of Dr. Jeffrey Jacob who partnered with Dr. Seilesh Babu at Michigan Ear Institute. Stefan recommends two Facebook groups that helped him: 1) A facebook group called Brain Tumor Talk and 2) Schwannoma's of the head/neck. He considers the outcome to be lifesaving and explains his journey:
This page is intended to be educational, but does not take the place of your physician or surgeon’s advice for your specific procedure or treatment. You should always consult with your doctor if you have questions or concerns. Call Michigan Head & Spine Institute at 248-784-3667.
