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Stanford Health Care

Diagnosis

How We Can Help You

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common cancer of the skull base. It accounts for two-thirds of skull base cancers and typically begins in the sinuses or nasal cavity and can extend up towards the brain.  

Treatment at an academic medical center which offers close collaboration between a team of specialists is important for the best outcomes.

Stanford is a global referral center for squamous cell carcinomas and is at the forefront of developing new, minimally invasive procedures that treat them.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU FOR SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE SKULL BASE

  • Globally-recognized expertise in the diagnosis and management of squamous cell carcinoma of the skull base.
  • Team-based treatment planning that brings together specialists from neurosurgery, head and neck surgery, neuroradiology, neuropathology, neuro-ophthalmology, and more.
  • Access to advanced imaging including neuro-navigation of the brain to help surgeons more clearly distinguish tumors from sensitive surrounding tissues.
  • An active clinical research program dedicated to broadening options for the diagnosis and treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the skull base.
  • Assistance from our International Medical Services team to plan your travel and accommodations.

Treatment Options for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skull Base

Careful collaboration between a variety of specialists help focus recommendations for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma.

Surgery

In general, surgery is recommended as a primary treatment with a goal of removing all of the tumor or as much as is safe. If there is suspicion that the cancer may have spread to adjacent lymph nodes in the neck,  they may be removed during surgery and evaluated.  

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is often recommended after surgery to attack any residual cancer cells.  

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Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA) to Skull Base
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Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA) to Skull Base
Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA) to Skull Base

Drug Therapy

Chemotherapy may be added to radiation therapy, if the tumor couldn’t not be fully removed. In cases where there is significant involvement of the brain or both eyes, the primary treatment may be chemotherapy with or without radiation to shrink the tumor.

Clinical Trials for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skull Base

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Open Clinical Trials

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Clinical trials evaluate new approaches, devices, or medications in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the skull base. Ask your doctor or clinical trials coordinator about available trials that may be additional options for your care.

To learn more about the clinical trials we offer, contact Maria Coburn at 650-736-9551.

Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.
View Closed Clinical Trials Clinical Trials for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skull Base

What is Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Skull Base?

Diagnosis of Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Skull Base

The diagnosis is usually made by an ear, nose, and throat surgeon who specializes in sinus disease or cancers of the head and neck.

The ENT is likely to slide an endoscope through the nostril at the time of consult to look for abnormalities in the nasal passage. If a tumor is visible, the ENT can remove a tiny sample of the tissue to be evaluated under a microscope.

The ENT is likely to recommend an MRI to measure the size and extent of the tumor and whether the cancer may be present in nearby lymph nodes. A CT scan can assess whether the tumor may have spread to surrounding bone. A PET scan may be recommended to rule out the spread of cancer to other areas of the body.

Our Clinics

Skull Base Surgery Program
Skull base surgery is a highly-specialized field that addresses tumors and other abnormalities on the underside of the brain or base of the skull.
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Make An Appointment

To schedule an appointment, please call: 650-497-7777