The Center for Sinus and Skull Base Tumors in the University of Arizona Department of Surgery is the premier center in the southwestern United States dedicated to the medical and surgical management of benign and malignant tumors of the nose, sinus and skull base. Co-directed by Eugene Chang, MD and Christopher Le, MD, the center is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and radiologists. Nationally renowned for their expertise and experience in minimally invasive surgery, the surgeons at the center are able to remove many tumors within the nose, sinuses and anterior skull base endoscopically, with no facial incisions and a minimal hospital stay.
The center has partnered with industry to offer the latest technology and computer-guided navigation that allows for minimally invasive approaches while maintaining excellent outcomes and results. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of clinical care while advancing the field through research and education.
What Is Skull Base Surgery?
The cranial base, where all of the critical blood vessels and nerves enter or exit the skull, is one of the most delicate and complex areas of the human body. Diseases of this region include both malignant and benign tumors as well as congenital and traumatic anatomical defects. In many instances we can observe benign, asymptomatic tumors. When tumors show signs of growth or interfere with the function of the brain or nerves, surgery may be required.
Working with multiple specialties including neurosurgery, otolaryngology, and oculoplastic surgery, virtually all areas of the brain and skull base can be reached using advanced skull base exposures. Whenever feasible we employ advanced, minimally-invasive approaches through the nasal passages. Less accessible tumors can often be treated with stereotactic radiosurgery. The multidisciplinary team at UA ensures that patients receive the highest degree of specialized and comprehensive care available.
Multidisciplinary Team
Sinus and Skull base surgery requires close cooperation between multiple surgical specialties including:
- Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Plastic/Reconstructive Neurosurgery
- Oculoplastic Surgery
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Skull Base Radiosurgery
- Neuro-Oncology
- Oncology-Hematology
- Radiation Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Endovascular Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Radiology and Neuroimaging Center
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Services
- Advanced Neuroscience Nursing
What We Treat
Malignant Sinonasal Tumors
Squamous Cell Cancer
- Adenocarcinoma
- Malignant Melanoma
- SNUC
- Poorly differentiated tumors
- Nasopharyngeal cancers
Benign Sinonasal Tumors
- Osteoma
- JNA
- Inverted Papilloma
CSF Leaks
Encepholoceles/Meningoceles
Skull Base Masses
- Pituitary adenoma
- Meningioma
- Clival Chordoma
- Craniopharyngiomas
- Chondrosarcoma
- Esthesioneuroblastomas
- Skull Base Vascular Malformations