Symptoms of SKULL BASED TUMORS

The symptoms that occur depend on where the tumor arises. This will dictate which components of the central nervous system will be affected. The rapidly with which the tumor enlarges is also of great significance. Rapidly growing tumors are much more likely to produce symptoms that slowly growing benign tumors. The latter may grow to enormous size before symptoms become apparent. Symptoms may also occur from a generalized increased in pressure within the skull. Tumors of the anterior fossa produce loss of smell, change in personality, problems with memory, problems with controlling urination and sometimes behavioral problems. Middle fossa tumors can produce seizures, they can affect vision and produce double vision. Posterior fossa tumors can produce problems with balance, incoordination, loss of facial movement, loss of hearing, dizziness and vertigo. Occasionally, weakness or atrophy of the tongue may occur. Swallowing problems may develop. All these tumors can produce headache and at times nausea and vomiting. They can all produce increased intracranial pressure which can also compromise vision. Some of them, particularly those of the posterior fossa, can produce hydrocephalus. Here, spinal fluid which is constantly formed and circulated through the brain begins to accumulate. There can be severe headache, nausea, vomiting, coma and death.