Chondrosarcoma of the skull base

Abstract

Objectives: Sarcomas of the skull base are challenging, potentially lethal tumors. Prognosis is considered poor. The present report reviews treatment options and presents a case of treatment with en bloc resection of the temporal bone and adjacent skull base.

Study design: Single case report and literature review.

Results: Extensive skull base resection for chondrosarcoma can be performed successfully and may be curative.

Conclusion: There is a role for en bloc resection of large areas of the skull base for treatment of chondrosarcoma. It appears that treatment combining surgery and radiation therapy is most likely to be effective.