Imaging of Skull Base Tumors

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Skull Base Anatomy
• Pathology

Background:

• The skull base supports the brain and houses neurovascular structures.
• Benign and malignant lesions can affect the skull base, sometimes mimicking other diseases.
• Embryology knowledge is vital for understanding skull base variations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe skull base tumors and tumor-like lesions.
• To present imaging modalities for diagnosis, management, and follow-up.
• To adopt an anatomical compartmental approach for lesion evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Review of cross-sectional imaging techniques, primarily CT and MRI.
• Anatomical compartmental approach to classifying skull base pathologies.
• Discussion of diagnostic criteria and imaging findings.

Main Results:

• CT and MRI are complementary for evaluating skull base lesions.
• Skull base lesions can extend to or arise from adjacent compartments.
• Recognizing treatment-related changes is important for patient management.

Conclusions:

• A thorough understanding of skull base anatomy and pathology is essential for accurate diagnosis.
• Advanced imaging is critical for managing complex skull base conditions.
• This review provides a framework for diagnosing and managing skull base pathologies.