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Skull base cancer

Our skull base cancer team supports patients through diagnosis, through treatment, and follow-up after treatment. We look after patients with both malignant and benign lateral and anterior skull base pathologies e.g. vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuromas), chondrosarcomas, chordomas, sinonasal cancers and cancers of the ear, to name a few. 

Our specialist Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) includes: 

  • ENT surgeons 
  • neurosurgeons 
  • maxillofacial surgeons 
  • oncologists 
  • cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) 
  • radiologists 
  • histopathologists 
  • ophthalmologists

Why am I being referred? 

Skull base cancers and benign tumours, such as a vestibular schwannoma, are relatively rare, and therefore need to be monitored and treated in specialist centres such as our Centre for Rare Diseases (CfRD) at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB). We treat patients from all around the region, as well as nationally. 

Our services include: 

  • surgery for skull base tumours 
  • medical treatment for skull base tumours e.g. chemotherapy or immunotherapy 
  • radiotherapy treatment 
  • stereotactic radiosurgery/therapy using the cyberknife robot 
  • specialist prosthetics department 
  • nurse-led clinics (surveillance clinics and pre- and post-treatment clinics) 
  • specialist balance therapy specialist facial physiotherapy 

Contact details 

Skull base CNS team

The team can be contacted from Monday to Friday 08.00-17.30 (not including bank holidays): 

Acute Oncology Services (AOS) 

For any patients on anti–cancer treatment who suffer from: 

  • a temperature of 37.5C or above 
  • flu-like symptoms
  • shivers/chills or feel poorly 

Please call the AOS 24-hour emergency helpline straight away.

 

Last reviewed: 29 September 2025