Differential diagnosis of tumors near the skull base

Neuroimaging (CT, MRI) plays an essential role in diagnosis, therapy planning and follow-up of tumors near the skull base. The present paper gives criteria for a diagnostic work-up. This applies to diagnosis, definition of tumor extension, differentiation of tumor from secondary phenomena and recurrent tumor from therapy-induced changes. Imaging modalities can narrow a specific diagnosis considering patient history, clinical findings, tumor location, tumor growth pattern, and tumor morphology. © Urban & Vogel.