Gitta Madani MBBS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Anthie Maria Papadopoulou MBBS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Andrew Platts, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Timothy Beale MBBS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Philip Anslow, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ata Siddiqui MBBS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

This exhibit equips the head and neck radiologist with the essential practical guide to the differential diagnosis of the diverse range of tumours which arise at the skull base or involve this location secondarily.

Traditionally tumours of the skull base are divided into midline and paramedian lesions. A diverse range of pathology involves the skull base; tumours may either arise form the bones and synchondroses, metastasise to this location or invade the base of skull by direct extension from above or below. We present a practical guide to the differential diagnosis of skull base tumours using a diagnostic algorithm based on the patient’s age, tumour location and imaging characteristics. The patterns of perineural spread of head and neck carcinomas to the base of skull are illustrated. A comprehensive range of benign and malignant pathology including schwanomma, neurofibroma, meningioma, dermoid, epidermoid, rhabdomyosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, chordoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, juvenile angiofibroma and metastases are demonstrated. Tumour mimics such as tuberculosis, mycoses and post-radiotherapy necrosis are discussed. Diagnostic pitfalls and the means to avoid them are highlighted.

Madani, G, Papadopoulou, A, Platts, A, Beale, T, Anslow, P, Siddiqui, A, Tumours of the Skull Base.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4414372.html