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Skull Base Disease Symptoms

Man Grimacing and Holding His Neck

Tumors often develop in or spread to the skull base, the area behind the eyes and nasal cavities that encompasses the "floor" of the skull. These tumors can be malignant or benign and may lead to complications with the nerves, blood vessels and spinal cord, all of which pass through the skull base area.

Whether benign or malignant, nearly all skull base tumors require treatment to remove the tumor and prevent complications as the tumor grows or cancer spreads. Treatment for skull base tumors may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of these approaches.

Below are some symptoms that might indicate you should contact a Skull Base Specialist like Dr. Mansfield.

  • a lump or sore that does not heal
  • a sore throat that does not go away
  • persistent swollen glands in the neck
  • a lump or mass in the neck
  • difficulty swallowing
  • difficulty moving your jaw or tongue
  • a change or hoarseness in the voice
  • white or red patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
  • changes in denture fit
  • unexplained facial pain or persistent pain in the ear
  • loss of smell
  • a bloody nasal discharge or coughing up blood
  • persistent nasal congestion that does not improve
  • upper body obesity
  • increased fat around the neck
  • severe headache with nausea or vomiting
  • double vision
  • gait disturbance
  • hearing loss
  • seizure
  • numbness or decreased sensation
  • change in mental status