Skull Base Tumor Symptoms

Skull base tumors may not produce symptoms until they grow large. Symptoms vary from person to person depending on where the tumor is and how fast it is growing.

Skull base tumor symptoms may include:

• Facial pain or numbness
• Facial weakness or paralysis
• Headache
• Recurrent sinus problems
• Stopped-up nose
• Loss of sense of smell
• Nosebleeds
• Vision loss
• Double vision
• Hearing loss
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Dizziness, vertigo or loss of balance
• Shortness of breath
• Hoarseness, losing your voice
• Difficulty swallowing and frequent choking
• Lumps on the neck

Having one or more of these symptoms does not mean you have a skull base tumor. You should talk to your doctor if you have any of these signs, as they may mean you have other health problems.

Some cases of skull base tumors can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you. Learn more about the risk to you and your family on our genetic testing page.