Proton Therapy for Tumors of the Skull Base
Treat Base of Skull Tumors With Proton Therapy
Skull base tumors are a rare type of cancer that can develop in various types of tissues, including bone, cartilage and nerves, and they can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Symptoms of base of skull cancer can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor, but they may include headache, facial pain or numbness, double vision, hearing loss, difficulty swallowing, or changes in voice.
The close proximity to critical structures, such as the brainstem, optic nerves and spinal cord, makes precise targeting of the tumor a critical factor in treatment. With proton therapy, a concentrated dose of radiation is applied to the tumor that has formed at the skull’s base or top of the spinal cord, limiting harm to the vital, healthy tissue surrounding it.
Comparison image – Proton Therapy is on the left, Photon Therapy is on the right
The Maryland Proton Treatment Center (MPTC) Uses Proton Therapy to Treat a Variety of Cancers in the Skull Base:
Benign Skull Base Tumors:
- Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas)
- Adenoid cystic carcinoma
- Glomus tumors
- Meningiomas
- Neuromas (trigeminal neuromas, vagal schwannomas)
- Neurofibromas
- Pituitary adenoma
- Craniopharyngiomas
Cancerous Skull Base Tumors:
Understanding the Proton Therapy Treatment Process
At the Maryland Proton Treatment Center, every base of skull cancer treatment plan is customized to your unique diagnosis and health needs. We aim to deliver highly targeted care while supporting your comfort and well-being.
Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Consultation: During your initial consultation, you will meet with our expert team, including a radiation oncologist, to review your medical history and determine if proton therapy is right for you. Our radiation oncologists are trained to deliver radiation in a variety of modalities, which means they can discuss all radiation options to ensure you are comfortable with your care plan. If proton therapy is right for you, our billing department will help find out if your insurance covers proton therapy.
CT Simulation and Treatment Planning: We use advanced imaging to map your tumor and design a precise, personalized plan. These scans help us prepare your body position to ensure accurate proton therapy treatment.
Daily Treatment: Proton therapy begins within two weeks of the simulation. These outpatient sessions are typically 30 minutes, five days a week, with most patients returning to daily activities right after. The length of treatment depends on your specific treatment plan but generally lasts three to eight weeks.
Completion: Upon completing your last treatment, you will ring the bell at the “Ring in Hope” wall, a symbol that closes the door on this chapter of life and opens the door to a healthy future.
Follow-Up and Ongoing Monitoring: Within a month of your final treatment, you will come back for a follow-up visit to track your progress. Following that, imaging and regular check-ins help us further track your progress and make any needed adjustments.
