Center for Cranial Base Tumors
Expert, Collaborative Care for Skull Base Tumors
For almost 40 years, the Loyola Center for Cranial Base Tumors has been a nationally recognized leader in the diagnosis and treatment of skull base tumors. Founded in 1988, our center is one of the most experienced multidisciplinary programs in the Midwest, and remains among the top five centers in North America based on volume, research, outcomes, and academic presentations.
We are proud to be designated as a Center of Excellence for Skull Base Tumors and named a Multidisciplinary Team of Distinction by the North American Skull Base Society.
Why Choose Loyola for Skull Base Tumor Care?
Our program offers patients access to a multidisciplinary team with deep experience in treating both benign and malignant cranial base tumors. We have cared for more than 5,000 patients with a wide range of complex skull base conditions, using the most advanced technologies and surgical techniques.
Cranial Base Tumor Treatments with Exceptional Outcomes
- Mortality rate of less than 0.2%
- 93% of patients with benign tumors are disease-free after five years
- 74% of patients with malignant tumors are disease-free after five years
These outcomes reflect our commitment to providing effective, individualized care.
Collaborative, Comprehensive Expertise in Cranial Base Tumors
At Loyola, our skull base tumor team works seamlessly across specialties to deliver world-class care. Our collaborative approach brings together:
- Neurotology
- Neurological surgery
- Otolaryngology - head and neck surgery (ENT)
- Interventional neuroradiology
- Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Radiation oncology
- Neuropathology
- Neuro-anesthesiology
This integrated model allows us to manage the most complex cases with precision and compassion.
A Supportive, Patient-Centered Experience
From your first visit to long-term follow-up, our team supports you every step of the way. We prioritize communication, comfort, and continuity of care—making sure you feel informed and confident in your treatment journey.
We also welcome physician referrals and partner closely with outside providers to ensure streamlined coordination of care.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
To schedule an appointment at the Center for Cranial Base Tumors, please complete the appointment request form by clicking below. A team member will follow up with you for the next steps. Let us help you move forward with confidence and hope.
Cranial Base Tumor Treatments with Exceptional Outcomes
Loyola treats many kinds of non-neoplastic lesions and cranial nerve conditions:
- Acoustic neuromas and other nerve origin tumors
- Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
- Brain abscess
- Brain aneurysm
- Cerebrospinal fluid fistula
- Chondroma
- Chondrosarcoma
- Chordoma
- Complex skull fracture
- Dermoid
- Encephalocoele
- Epidermoid tumors
- Esthesioneuroblastoma
- Glomus tumor and other paragangliomas
- Gliomas
- Lower cranial neuromas
- Meningioma
- Olfactory groove meningioma
- Osteosarcoma
- Parotid and salivary gland tumors
- Pituitary tumor
- Sinus malignancy
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Temporal bone cancer
Advanced Skull Base Treatment Options
We use a variety of advanced and minimally invasive surgical approaches tailored to the patient’s condition and anatomy, including:
- Endoscopic endonasal surgery
- Image-guided navigation systems
- Keyhole craniotomy
- Microsurgical tumor removal
- Robotic surgery
- Stereotactic radiosurgery
Each treatment plan is customized by our multidisciplinary team to ensure optimal results with the least disruption to surrounding tissues and function.
State of the Art Diagnostic Tools for Cranial Disorders
- Cerebral angiography
- CT scans (computed tomography)
- Endovascular tumor embolization and aneurysm treatment
- Hearing tests
- Intraoperative MRI navigation
- Laser and intraoperative microscopic techniques
- MRI (magnetic resource imaging)
- Neuroradiology
- PET scans (positron emission tomography)
- Radionuclide bone scans
- Venous blood sampling