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Dr Smit DoshiHead & Neck Onco Surgeon
Skull Base Cancer Surgery

Speciality

Skull Base Cancer Surgery

Multidisciplinary surgery for tumours at the base of the skull.

About Skull Base Cancer

Skull base tumours sit in a complex region surrounded by nerves, vessels and the brain. Dr Smit Doshi works with neurosurgical and reconstructive teams to perform endoscopic and combined approaches, minimising disfigurement and preserving cranial nerve function.

Symptoms

Signs to take seriously

  • 1Persistent one-sided nasal block or bleeding
  • 2Loss of smell
  • 3Double vision or bulging of the eye
  • 4Facial numbness or weakness
  • 5Persistent headaches
  • 6Hearing loss or ringing in the ear
  • 7A mass in the upper neck or behind the jaw

Causes

Risk factors

Chronic sinus infections in selected casesExposure to wood dust, leather dust, nickelEpstein-Barr virus (for nasopharyngeal cancer)Tobacco and alcoholPrior radiation to the head and neck

Diagnosis

The path to a confirmed diagnosis

  1. 01

    Detailed cranial nerve examination

  2. 02

    Nasal endoscopy with biopsy

  3. 03

    High-resolution MRI of skull base and brain

  4. 04

    CT scan with 3D reconstruction

  5. 05

    PET-CT for staging

  6. 06

    Ophthalmologic and audiologic evaluation

Treatment

How Dr Doshi treats this

Endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery

Tumours accessed through the nostrils using endoscopes — no external incision, faster recovery.

Lateral skull base surgery

For tumours near the temporal bone and parotid; combined with ear and facial nerve preservation techniques.

Cranio-facial resection

A combined approach with neurosurgery for tumours involving the brain and facial skeleton.

Microvascular reconstruction

Restoring the facial contour and protecting the brain using free tissue transfer.

Multidisciplinary post-op care

Coordinated rehabilitation with neurology, ophthalmology, speech therapy and oncology.

Recovery

What to expect afterwards

  • 1

    ICU stay of 1–3 days after major resections

  • 2

    Hospital stay of 7–14 days depending on approach

  • 3

    Visual and cranial nerve recovery may take months

  • 4

    Radiation or chemoradiation may follow surgery

  • 5

    Long-term imaging surveillance every 6 months

Patient story

I travelled from Mumbai for the endoscopic approach. No incision on my face. Hospital stay was four days. Dr Doshi’s expertise was worth the journey.

Krishna Iyer, Mumbai · Skull Base Tumour

Frequently asked

What patients ask about skull base cancer surgery

Have a question that isn’t here? Reach out — we usually reply within two hours.

Take the first step today.

Early detection saves lives. Speak with Dr Doshi — a 15-minute consultation can change the course of treatment.

Disclaimer: This information is for awareness only and does not substitute a medical consultation. For personalised advice on your condition, please book an appointment with Dr Doshi.

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