Although surgery of the skull base still represents a frontier involving different specialties, it is increasingly being accepted and recognized as a special area po sing both unique diagnostic and surgical challenges and specific requirements. This is the prime reason that colleagues involved in the management of skull base processes need special training stressing the different surgical approaches required either at different times or to reach the different areas of this intriguing anatomi cal landmark. Although the advent of microsurgical techniques and advanced diagnostic mo dalities - high-resolution computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR-angiography, and supers elective endovascular protocols - in the last 25 years has brought significant improvements, such as the recent advances in endovascular treatment, a number of different kinds of limitations still persist. This is especially so in the case of skull base meningiomas, the pathological entity most frequently affecting this area which the neurosurgeon is confronted with in daily practice. Besides understanding the intrinsic characteristics of the different pathological entities which involve the skull base, it is the responsibility of physi cians to know and employ the expanded neurosurgical options in the most effecti ve and appropriate way.

The overall incidence of meningiomas, particularly in the developed countries, is rising due to a growing size of the aging population, with people living longer and enjoying healthier lives than ever before. Additionally, an increased utilization of imaging studies such as computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) for routine evaluation of closed head injuries, paranasal sinus problems and various non-specific neurological symptoms, ranging from headaches to dizziness, has contributed to enhanced detection of incidental meningiomas. The book contains the most up-to-date information in all matters related to meningiomas, and is written by multiple contributors - internationally recognized experts in their respective fields from Asia, USA and Europe. This is an essential reference guide to neurosurgeons and neurologists (in training and in practice), as well as medical libraries, throughout the world.

The management of tumors in and adjacent to the skullbase is challenging given the complex and critically important anatomy of the region and the wide diversity of tumor pathologies that may be encountered. To help navigate the complexities of contemporary multidisciplinary management of these patients, Drs. Hanna and DeMonte bring you Comprehensiv

Recent developments in our understanding of the complex anatomy of the cranial base and the biological behaviour of tumours in this area have significantly improved the outcome of patients with skull base tumours. The contributors present a systemic introduction and summary of contemporary knowledge in skull base surgery. The book has three major parts: (i) clinical, pathological and radiological management of patients, (ii) open and endoscopic surgical approaches to the skull base, and (iii) outcome, morbidity and postoperative follow-up of patients. The book is meant for medical students, residents and consultants in various disciplines, including otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, maxillofacial surgery and oncology. The emphasis is on the clinical approach to the patient rather than on surgical techniques per se.

"Meningiomas are tumors that originate from the arachnoidal cap cells of the leptomeninges. With an incidence rate of 8.36 per 100, 000 population, they are the most common primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors, accounting for a third of all cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) classification has traditionally categorized meningiomas into 15 different histopathological subtypes and three clinical grades. Tumors are classified as WHO grades 1, 2 or 3 based largely on histopathological features such as mitotic activity, presence of brain invasion, and other atypical features. However, there is increasing recognition of the limitations of histopathology including but not limited to: confounding factors such as sampling bias in a heterogeneous tumor, and technical factors related to the experience of the grading pathologist. Even with careful histologic grading, there remains significant variability in recurrence rates within each tumor grade. As more studies have uncovered the molecular features of meningiomas, novel biological alterations have helped refine classification schemes that more accurately reflect patient outcomes. This book reviews the current state of knowledge on the genomic and epigenomic landscape of meningiomas in order to identify the roles of genomic aberrations on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of meningiomas in addition to mainstays of surgical management, radiation therapy, and potential novel chemotherapies. Written by a team of world-renowned experts in neurosurgery, neuropathology, radiology, and radiation-oncology, this book is the definitive resource on meningioma management and investigation for both clinicians and scientists alike."

Meningiomas, Volume 170, Part Two, discusses tumors that arise from the coverings of the brain and spinal cord. In this updated volume of the Handbook of Clinical Neurology, experts in the field - from basic scientists to skilled neurosurgeons, provide up-to-date synopses of each topic as it relates directly to this class of tumor. Surgical and radiation therapy, which remain the mainstays of treatment, are a major focus, but coverage also includes potential molecular avenues for the development of effective medical treatments. This book serves as a comprehensive review of the neurosurgical issues surrounding this extremely common brain tumor. Few procedures in surgery are more immediately formidable than an attack upon a large tumor of this type, hence the greatest challenge of treatment is the need to complete tumor removal without creating new neurologic deficit. - Provides current reviews of neurosurgical issues, such as endoscopic surgery, molecular biology of meningiomas, and the role of different radiation oncology treatment modalities and drug therapies - Addresses multiple patient populations – children, elderly and those with multiple or radiation-induced tumor - Offers a strong focus on anatomy and surgical approaches - Edited work featuring leaders in neurosurgery and neuro-oncology around the globe – the broadest, most expert coverage available

Skull-base surgery is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure, which involves the surgeon inserting instruments through the natural openings in the skull—the nose or mouth—or by making a small hole just above the eyebrow. This type of surgery requires a team of specialists, which may include ENT (ear, nose, and throat), maxillofacial and neurosurgeons, as well as radiologists. The craniovertebral junction (CVJ) has a unique anatomical bone and neurovascular structure, which not only separates the subaxial cervical spine but also provides a special cranial flexion, extension and axial rotation pattern. As such, a sound knowledge of the basic principles of spine instrumentation and the region’s kinematics are essential when it comes to strategic preoperative planning. Skull-base, craniovertebral junction, spine demolitive and reconstructive surgery, neuromodulation, bioengineering and transplantation are recent tools used to improve reconstruction, restoration and rehabilitation – three key words central to the core aim of the Neurorehabilitation and Reconstruction Committee of the WFNS, which is to promte mechanical morphological and functional restoration.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the multidisciplinary management of meningiomas, followed by evaluation and management considerations along a spectrum of benign to more malignant behavior. It outlines the management of presumed Grade 1 tumors and how to identify features of tumors radiographically and clinically that may support a benign course rather than aggressive and vice versa. Following a stepwise progression from simple to complex, chapters introduce and tackle more aggressive meningiomas and tumor recurrence (of all Grades), with paradigms for evaluation and treatment. Tumor biology and genomics are fundamental and largely focused in the book. More recent findings which have directed personalized medicine and clinical trials are also addressed. Meningiomas: Comprehensive Strategies for Management addresses all aspects of the evaluation and care of patients with all WHO grades of meningiomas. It is highly informative and provides clarity for a wide audience of neurosurgeons, reconstructive surgeons, oncologists, neurologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, residents and students who treat these patients and those who are training for a career in managing patients with these potentially challenging tumors.