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Skull Base Surgery

Until recently, options to remove tumors inside the skull base were limited to potentially disfiguring skull or facial surgery requiring long recoveries. With endoscopic skull-base surgery at University of Michigan Health-West, a multidisciplinary team of experts is able to remove tumors through the natural openings of the face.

This minimally invasive procedure allows quicker recovery time and less risk of complication. The revolutionary treatment is drawing patients from beyond West Michigan.

Our Experts

Endoscopic skull-base surgery is a rapidly advancing field led by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) and neurosurgeon in collaboration with a wide range of experts, including in radiation oncology, interventional radiology, endocrinology, neuroradiology, rhinology, oculoplastic surgeons, and others.

Treatments & Capabilities

The endoscope is a thin tube with a camera and light at the end. This allows surgery teams to navigate to the tumor, typically through the nose, and avoid disturbing nerves, arteries, eyes and other delicate areas of the skull base.

Tumors at the skull base – the bones at the bottom of the head or behind the nose or eyes – are fairly common problems for all ages. Often the tumor grows slowly for years – the patient only realizes a problem when it affects their vision or hearing. Other symptoms can include difficulty breathing, facial pain, headaches, hormone imbalance and dizziness. The treatment approach depends on the size, type and location of the tumor. UM Health-West offers comprehensive services for a wide range of skull-base tumors. Your doctor will work with you, along with specialists and subspecialists, to determine the best strategy.