Sinus & Skull Base Tumors

At The Rontal Clinic, we are recognized leaders in the management of tumors of the head and neck, including those of the paranasal sinuses, skull base, pituitary gland and deep aspects of the face. We are fellowship-trained in the advanced methods of approach, resection, and reconstruction of craniofacial, skull base and head and neck tumors.

Doctors at The Rontal Clinic are on the forefront of endoscopic skull base surgery and robotic surgery in the head and neck. We have presented our work at local, regional, and national conferences. The goal is always to cure disease, but to do so while limiting side-effects.

Tumors of the nose and sinuses account for just 1 percent of all cancers and only 3 percent of the cancers found in the head and neck. So finding a specialist who is knowledgeable and capable of appropriately managing these diseases can be difficult. Moreover, the challenges these masses can impose are unique, making finding that specialist even more important.

Unfortunately, early symptoms are often vague - nasal obstruction, runny or bloody nose, headache and changes in the sense of smell. Because these symptoms mimic other conditions that are far more common, there is often a delay in diagnosis. As a mass becomes larger, pain, visual changes and even visible changes in the contours of the face can occur.

Diagnosis involves a general ENT exam, nasal endoscopy, and imaging. Both computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are necessary. Once a mass is identified, a biopsy is most often obtained in the operating room.

Treatment depends on the type of mass and can include any combination of surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. A multidisciplinary approach to surgery is often required, and we frequently partner with our colleagues in neurosurgery to manage the complex junction of the nose, sinuses, and brain. We are members and leaders of multidisciplinary teams of surgeons, radiation oncologists, oncologists, speech therapists, nurses, social workers and other allied professionals. Decisions on which therapy is most appropriate are made in close consultation between these multidisciplinary teams, the patient, and loved-ones.

In the nose and paranasal sinuses, an endoscopic, minimally invasive approach is utilized whenever possible. When this is not possible, the full range of open techniques is performed while taking care to minimize side effects.