Sinonasal Tumors and Disorders of the Anterior Skull Base

 Dr. Mathew Geltzeiler and the Oregon Sinus Center team work closely with the Departments of Neurosurgery, Endocrinology and Oculoplastic Surgery to provide comprehensive care for anterior skull base disorders. Additionally, our team works closely with the Departments of Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology for any cancers related to the nose and sinuses.

Our Team

Common Disorders of the Anterior Skull Base we treat are

  • Olfactory neuroblastoma
  • Malignant tumors (cancer) of the nose and sinuses
  • Adenoma (pituitary tumors)
  • Craniopharyngioma
  • Rathke's cleft cyst
  • Angiofibroma
  • Meningioma
  • Chordoma
  • CSF leaks
  • Optic nerve compression and orbital pathology
  • Basilar invagination

Sinonasal Tumors

Tumors that present in the nose and sinuses can be both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous). Our multidisciplinary care team provides comprehensive evaluation aimed at creating a personalized treatment plan for all patients. We work with each patient to craft a plan of care that is best for you.  

Patients coming to the Oregon Sinus Center will undergo a thorough evaluation which will include a head and neck exam, a review of the tumor, and a detailed review of the radiographic imaging studies (CT and MRI).

Other specialties involved in patients care can include radiation oncology, medical oncology, neurosurgery and reconstructive surgery. Utilizing our combined expertise, we create a treatment plan with each patient tailored their individual needs.

The management of sinonasal tumors can include surgery and/or radiation therapy. A variety of surgical approaches have been used to access these tumors. In recent years endoscopic techniques and image guidance systems allow for minimally invasive approaches to sinonasal tumors, without compromise in the long-term cure rates. These techniques often allow the surgeon to completely remove the tumor without making any incisions on the face. We always strive to have the best long term cure rates while minimizing cosmetic deformity, complications, and time away from home.

Some examples of common tumors treated with a minimally invasive, endoscopic approach include:

  • Benign (non-cancerous)
    • Nasal polyps 
    • Inverted papilloma  
    • Osteoma
    • Mycetoma and Fungal Balls
    • Angiofibroma
    • Schwannoma and Neurofibroma
  • Malignant (cancerous)
    • Olfactory neuroblastoma
    • Squamous cell carcinoma
    • Adenoid cystic carcinoma
    • Neuroendocrine carcinoma
    • Adenocarcinoma
    • Malignant melanoma
    • Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC)

Anterior Skull Base Disorders

The skull base is a complex region from which many different diseases can arise. The management of these various diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach. Together with neurosurgery, we work with each patient to craft a plan of care that is best for you. In the majority of cases, a treatment plan can be created that uses minimally invasive, endoscopic techniques to avoid external incisions. We always strive to have the best long term cure rates while minimizing cosmetic deformity, complications, and hospital stay.

Some examples of common diseases treated with a minimally invasive, endoscopic approach include:

  • Adenoma (pituitary tumors)
  • Craniopharyngioma
  • Rathke's cleft cyst
  • Meningioma
  • Chordoma
  • CSF leaks
  • Optic nerve compression and orbital pathology
  • Basilar invagination