SkullBase Surgery Tumor Program
at Boston University
When faced with a skullbase tumor it is important to find the right and experienced health care partner. The Skullbase Tumor Program at Boston University is committed to providing the best care available for patients with benign or malignant tumors affecting the skull base. The Skullbase tumor program joins specialists from multiple departments under one roof who constantly work with each other to deliver the best possible care. These health care professionals include: otolaryngologists, neurosurgeons, microvascular reconstructive and plastic surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, opthalmologists, pathologists, radiologists, dentists, speech and swallow and rehabilitation specialists. All patients are discussed at our weekly multidisciplinary Skullbase Tumor Conference.
The Skullbase Surgery Tumor Program surgeons have extensive experience and are respected internationally for their ability to treat tumors in this delicate and complex area. Program Co- directors: Scharukh Jalisi, M.D., FACS, of the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, and Lawrence Chin, MD FACS, of the Department of Neurosurgery, lead this team of experts in treating patients with a wide range of tumors.
Treatment for tumors of the skull base may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of therapies. Surgeons in the Skull Base Tumor Program devise a tailored approach to the tumors for each patient and utilize both open and minimally invasive endoscopic surgical approaches. For patients who need radiation or chemotherapy our radiation and medical oncologists devise a comprehensive therapy plan.
We continue to employ innovative and state-of-the- art therapy. The opening of the Cyberknife Center at Boston University in 2008 now provides the first of its kind Robotic Radiosurgery to our patients. This allows for patients to receive radiation therapy while maximally preserving the normal tissues and hence allow for less side effects and faster recovery. In addition our minimally invasive endoscopic techniques allows for patients to return home much faster and with few or no incisions.
A special Patient Navigator follows and assists patients and families through the complex process of consultations, diagnostic testing, treatment and follow up.