Skull base lesions: extracranial origins

Area of Science:

• Head and Neck Radiology
• Oncologic Imaging
• Skull Base Pathology

Background:

• Extracranial anatomical sites, including the nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, and masticator space, are common origins for skull base lesions.
• The invasive nature of these lesions means the majority are malignant, necessitating careful evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the importance of including extracranial site search patterns in the assessment of skull base lesions.
• To guide radiologists in accurately characterizing the extent and nature of these diverse lesions.
• To highlight critical information for communication between radiologists and referring clinicians.

Main Methods:

• Review of anatomical origins of skull base lesions.
• Analysis of imaging characteristics of malignant extracranial lesions.
• Development of systematic search patterns for radiologists.

Main Results:

• Lesions from the nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, and masticator space frequently involve the skull base.
• The majority of these invasive lesions are malignant.
• Systematic search patterns improve the detection and characterization of extracranial skull base lesions.

Conclusions:

• Accurate assessment of skull base lesions requires evaluating potential extracranial origins.
• Radiologists must employ specific search patterns to identify and characterize these lesions.
• Effective communication of findings to clinicians is vital for patient management.