Management of Skull Base Metastases

Autopsy studies suggest that skull base metastases are likely underrecognized in patients with cancer. Patients frequently present with one or a combination of skull base clinical syndromes that manifest as pain or cranial neuropathy. Once a skull base metastasis is suspected, establishing a histologic diagnosis, dedicated imaging, and restaging (if appropriate) are the first steps in management. A multidisciplinary approach should then be used to identify the optimal histology-based treatment strategy, taking into account the burden of systemic disease. Finally, definitive treatment may include one or a combination of surgical management, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy."