Skull Base Tumors

Loren J Bartels MD FACS and Christopher J Danner MD FACS are highly trained skull base surgeons. Dr. Bartels has been in practice for over 33 years and has operated on over 600 acoustic neuromas, approximately 700 hundred skull base tumors total. Dr. Danner has been performing skull base surgery for over 12 years and has performed over 100 skull base surgeries including acoustic neuroma removal. Each follows many tumor patients, whether in an observation plan, a radiation plan, or in postoperative long term monitoring.

The two most common skull base tumors are acoustic neuroma and meningioma. Per a chapter in the widely distributed text, Neurotology (ed R Jackler), Dr Bartels reports that over 35 different tumor types may affect this highly complex part of the body, affecting the ear and surrounding skull base, and adjacent brain. Skull base tumor management commonly, but not always requires exquisitely precise surgery. In cooperation with other specialists, observation and specialized radiotherapy and other adjunctive modalities may be considered.

Other specialty disciplines with which Dr. Bartels and Dr. Danner work include neurosurgery, critical care medicine, interventional radiology, radiotherapy, oncology, cardiology, and others. For patients coming from some distance, coordinated appointments with other specialists can be arranged by the Tampa Bay Hearing and Balance Center staff. First and foremost, Dr. Bartels and Dr. Danner review the patient's history, performing a pertinent physical examination, and spending up to an hour or more reviewing diagnostic information, alternatives in management, risks of each, perioperative care, and social issues. Not all skull base tumors need surgery and which option is best for one patient might not fit for another.