[Subcranial resection of malignant tumors infiltrating the anterior skull base].

Background: Survival and quality of life after subcranial resection of malignant tumors infiltrating the anterior skull base should be evaluated.

Methods: Data were acquired retrospectively from patient charts and by telephone interview. Quality of life was assessed with the EORTC QLQ30 and H&N35 modules.

Results: From 1996 to 2004, 19 patients (mean age 52 years, 4 woman, 15 men) were surgically treated via a subcranial approach. Fifteen patients suffered from advanced carcinoma, 3 from advanced esthesioneuroblastoma, and 1 patient had a fibrosarcoma. Fifteen patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. During the mean follow-up period of 44 months (12-109 months), 6 patients died, 1 unrelated to the tumor. The probability to survive 5 years was 50 %, the mean survival time was 72 months. Anosmia was reported by 18 of 19 patients. A tension pneumocephalus was observed in 2 patients, one with lethal outcome, decreased vision in 1 patient, loss of vision in 1, persisting diplopia in 1, deep wound infections in 2, and CSF leak in 2 patients. Quality of life was assessed on the average 36 months following end of therapy and did not differ substantially from other patients with head-neck malignancies.

Conclusion: Most, malignant tumors infiltrating the anterior skull base can be treated curatively. The treatment outcome is well comparable to other head and neck tumors of corresponding stage.