Skull Base Center
The Vanderbilt Skull Base Center treats tumors and non-tumor conditions in or around the skull base, the area deep behind your eyes and nose. Because there are many different types of skull base tumors, including those that are cancerous and those that aren’t, each patient’s needs are unique. These tumors also tend to be extremely complex and can be challenging to treat. At the Vanderbilt Skull Base Center, you’ll find a team of doctors and other professionals, including our patient care coordinator, who have the expertise required to deliver the care you need and provide the compassion you want.
Conditions We Treat
We treat all skull base-related conditions, including:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks
- Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors
- Chondrosarcomas
- Chordomas
- Clival tumors
- Esthesioneuroblastomas (ENB; olfactory neuroblastomas)
Meet Your Care Team
Marc L. BennettMD, FACS
- Acoustic Neuroma,
- Cholesteatoma,
- Cochlear Implant Evaluation and Therapy,
- ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology),
- Hearing Loss,
- Hearing and Speech Sciences,
- Otolaryngology
David S. HaynesMD
- Acoustic Neuroma,
- Adult and Pediatric Hearing Loss,
- Cholesteatoma,
- Cochlear Implant Evaluation and Therapy,
- ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology),
- Hearing and Speech Sciences,
- Otolaryngology
Taha A. JanMD
- Acoustic Neuroma,
- Adult and Pediatric Ear Disorders,
- CSF Leak Repair,
- Cholesteatoma,
- Hearing Loss,
- Otolaryngology,
- Otolaryngology Surgery
Aaron C. MoberlyMD
- ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology),
- Otolaryngology Surgery,
- Otology and Neurotology
Matthew R. O'MalleyMD
- Acoustic Neuroma,
- Cochlear Implant Evaluation and Therapy,
- ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology),
- Hearing Loss,
- Hearing and Speech Sciences,
- Otolaryngology,
- Otolaryngology Surgery
Kareem TawfikMD
- Acoustic Neuroma,
- Cholesteatoma,
- Cochlear Implant Evaluation and Therapy,
- ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology),
- Hearing Loss,
- Hearing and Speech Sciences,
- Otolaryngology
Lola B. ChamblessMD
- Acoustic Neuroma,
- Brain Cancer,
- Brain Tumor/Cancer,
- Neurologic Surgery,
- Neurological Surgery,
- Otolaryngology,
- Pituitary Surgery
Patrick D. KellyBS, MD, MSCI
- Acoustic Neuroma,
- Brain Tumor/Cancer,
- Neurologic Surgery,
- Neurological Surgery,
- Otolaryngology,
- Pituitary Surgery,
- Skull Base Surgery
Peter J. MoroneMD, MSCI
- Acoustic Neuroma,
- Brain Tumor/Cancer,
- Neuro-Oncology,
- Neurologic Surgery,
- Neurological Surgery,
- Otolaryngology,
- Pituitary Surgery
Reid C. ThompsonMD
- Acoustic Neuroma,
- Brain Cancer,
- Brain Tumor/Cancer,
- Neuro-Oncology,
- Neurologic Surgery,
- Neurological Disorders, Surgery,
- Neurological Surgery
Kyle MannionMD
- Cancer,
- ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology),
- Head and Neck Cancer,
- Otolaryngology,
- Otolaryngology Surgery,
- Skull Base Conditions,
- Skull Base Surgery
James L. NettervilleMD
- Cancer,
- ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology),
- Head and Neck Cancer,
- Otolaryngology,
- Otolaryngology Surgery,
- Skull Base Conditions,
- Skull Base Surgery
Sarah L. RohdeMD
- Cancer,
- ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology),
- Head and Neck Cancer,
- Otolaryngology,
- Otolaryngology Surgery,
- Skull Base Conditions,
- Skull Base Surgery
Robert J. SinardMD, FACS
- Benign and Malignant Tumors of the Face and Jaws,
- Cancer,
- ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology),
- Head and Neck Cancer,
- Head, Neck, and Facial Infection,
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,
- Otolaryngology
Naweed I. ChowdhuryMD
- ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology),
- Nose and Sinus Conditions,
- Otolaryngology,
- Otolaryngology Surgery,
- Skull Base Conditions,
- Skull Base Surgery
Mason R. KrysinskiMD, BS
- Adult Rhinitis,
- Adult Sinusitis,
- Allergy and Immunology,
- CSF Leak Repair,
- ENT Ear, Nose, Throat (Otolaryngology),
- Nose and Sinus Conditions,
- Otolaryngology
Sean C. AllMD
- Brain Tumor/Cancer,
- Cancer,
- Head and Neck Cancer,
- Neurologic Surgery,
- Otolaryngology,
- Radiation Oncology,
- Skin Cancers Including Melanoma
Anthony J. CmelakMD
- Cancer,
- Neuro-Oncology,
- Neurosciences,
- Primary and Metastatic Nervous System Cancers,
- Radiation Oncology,
- Upper Airway (Tracheal), Oral, Nasal, Lip, and Other Head and Neck Cancers
Leo Y. LuoMD
- Brain Tumor/Cancer,
- Cancer,
- Metastatic Cancer,
- Neurologic Surgery,
- Radiation Oncology,
- Sarcoma
Why Choose Skull Base Center at Vanderbilt
- Knowledge and experience
Our team of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals are leaders in treating skull base tumors and related conditions. Our doctors have performed thousands of skull base surgeries and have also helped train the next generation of doctors in this specialty area.
- Team approach
Doctors from multiple specialties are brought into your treatment team when needed. These might include ENTs, physical therapists, oncologists, radiologists and others. Our multi-specialty surgery team consists of a skull base neurosurgeon, neurotologist, neuroanesthesia specialist and — if needed — a head and neck surgeon.
- Recognized Care
Vanderbilt is a leader in treating intracranial cerebrospinal spinal fluid (CSF) leaks. These types of leaks are different than spinal CSF leaks and occur at the skull base through the nose or ear. Our experienced surgical team performs more procedures than all other Tennessee hospitals combined.
- Innovation
Not only do our doctors use the latest therapies and technologies to treat skull base tumors, they’re often involved with creating those therapies. Dedication to advancing and improving the treatment of skull base tumors and related conditions is at the center of what they do.
- Personalized care
We tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique needs and health goals. We help you navigate your treatment options to ensure that you receive the best possible care. Our patient care coordinator guides you through treatment and ensures your questions are answered. Contact our patient care coordinator directly at (615) 936-4730.
- Access to new options
Our researchers are leaders in exploring ways to improve care. You may have the option to take part in studies called clinical trials, which test promising new approaches under close monitoring. Participation is always your choice. We’ll give you the information you need to decide. Explore clinical trials.
Tests, Treatments and Services
We offer a full range of tests, treatments and services, including:
- Combined therapy (surgery and radiation)
- Surgery, including minimally invasive endoscopy