Brain Tumor and Skull Base Surgery in San Diego: A Patient’s Guide

Brain tumors can be primary (originating in the brain) or metastatic (spreading from another part of the body). They can be benign, like meningiomas or pituitary adenomas, or malignant, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In San Diego, patients have access to advanced centers specializing in both complex brain and skull base surgery, which often require microsurgical precision and multidisciplinary care.

Tumors in these regions sit near critical structures that control vision, hearing, and balance, making surgical experience and technology essential for safety and success.

Quick Answer

Brain tumor surgery has advanced dramatically in recent years. Patients in San Diego now benefit from minimally invasive and image-guided procedures that improve tumor removal while protecting healthy brain tissue. Techniques such as endoscopic skull base surgery, intraoperative MRI, and neuronavigation have shortened recovery times and enhanced outcomes. If you’ve been diagnosed with a brain tumor—including glioblastoma—consulting an experienced brain tumor surgeon in San Diego ensures access to these modern, precise approaches.

Skull Base Surgery in San Diego – What Patients Should Know

The skull base is the area separating the brain from facial and neck structures. Tumors here, such as pituitary adenomas, chordomas, or acoustic neuromas, often demand intricate surgical planning.

Modern skull base procedures now rely on:

• Endoscopic endonasal approaches, entering through the nasal passage with a small camera, reducing incisions and brain retraction.
• High-definition imaging and neuronavigation, guiding the surgeon precisely to the tumor while avoiding vital blood vessels and nerves.
• Intraoperative monitoring, which tracks nerve function during surgery to prevent injury.

These innovations minimize discomfort, shorten hospital stays, and help patients return to normal life sooner.

Glioblastoma Treatment in San Diego – Current Advances

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive malignant brain tumor that requires coordinated, multidisciplinary care. Treatment often combines surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Modern glioblastoma management emphasizes:

• Maximal safe resection using intraoperative MRI and fluorescence-guided techniques (5-ALA dye highlights tumor cells).
• Awake craniotomy when tumors are near speech or motor areas, allowing real-time feedback to protect brain function.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and proton therapy for residual or recurrent lesions.
• Clinical trials exploring immunotherapy and tumor-treating fields (TTF) to extend survival and quality of life.

Studies show that removing as much of the tumor as safely possible remains one of the strongest predictors of improved outcomes. (National Cancer Institute)

Advances in Surgical Technology That Improve Outcomes

Innovations have transformed how neurosurgeons approach complex brain and skull base tumors:

Technique	How It Helps Patients
Neuronavigation & 3D Imaging	Maps the brain’s anatomy in real time for millimeter-level accuracy.
Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery	Accesses tumors through natural openings, minimizing tissue trauma.
Intraoperative MRI/CT	Confirms complete tumor removal before closing the incision.
Fluorescence-Guided Resection	Highlights tumor cells with special dyes to maximize safe removal.
Robotic and AR-Assisted Surgery	Provides enhanced visualization and stability during microsurgery.

Guideline note: Availability of these techniques varies by tumor type, location, and patient health; not all cases require advanced tools.

When to Seek Evaluation by a Brain Tumor Surgeon in San Diego

Early evaluation matters. Patients should contact a brain tumor specialist if they experience:

• Persistent or severe headaches not responding to standard treatment.
• New-onset seizures.
• Vision or hearing loss.
• Unexplained weakness, coordination problems, or speech difficulty.
• Personality or memory changes.

A prompt MRI or CT scan can help determine whether a tumor or another neurological issue is the cause. Even benign tumors can grow silently, so early referral ensures access to the best treatment options available locally.

What to Expect: From Diagnosis to Recovery

1. Pre-Surgical Phase – Imaging (MRI/CT/PET), blood tests, and consultations with neurosurgery, oncology, and anesthesiology.
2. Surgery – Performed under general or, when appropriate, conscious sedation (for awake mapping).
3. Hospital Stay – Often 1–3 days for minimally invasive approaches; longer for open or complex skull base procedures.
4. Recovery – Outpatient rehabilitation or physical therapy to restore strength and coordination.
5. Follow-Up – Regular imaging every 3–6 months to monitor for recurrence.

Recovery Guideline (Approximate)

Phase	Typical Timeline	Notes
Immediate (Days 1-7)	Hospital observation; pain control; imaging check.	ICU stay may be required for complex skull base cases.
Early (Weeks 2-6)	Light activity; gradual mobility; follow-up visit.	Endoscopic patients usually recover faster.
Long-Term (2-6 Months+)	Return to full activities; imaging surveillance.	Ongoing rehab may be needed after glioblastoma surgery.

Guideline note: Recovery timelines vary based on tumor type, size, and individual health status.

Risks, Benefits, and Long-Term Outlook

Benefits

• Greater tumor visibility and control.
• Reduced damage to healthy tissue.
• Shorter hospital stays and improved quality of life.

Risks

• Infection, bleeding, or temporary neurological changes.
• Recurrence, particularly for malignant tumors such as glioblastoma.
• Fatigue or cognitive effects from radiation or chemotherapy.

With modern care, many benign tumor patients achieve complete recovery, while glioblastoma survival outcomes continue to improve as technology and targeted therapies evolve. (American Brain Tumor Association)

Choosing the Right Neurosurgeon for Brain and Skull Base Surgery in San Diego

When seeking brain tumor or skull base surgery in San Diego, consider:

• Board certification in neurosurgery and fellowship training in complex cranial or skull base surgery.
• Experience with advanced tools such as intraoperative MRI and neuronavigation.
• Collaborative care with radiation oncologists and neuro-oncologists.
• Transparent discussion of risks, expectations, and recovery timelines.

Dr. Sanjay Ghosh’s practice provides both cranial and spine surgery solutions. Explore his Cranial Surgery page and Spinal Surgery page for more details on procedures and patient resources.

Dr. Ghosh was the lead neurosurgeon to successfully remove one of the largest brain tumors on record at Scripps Hospital, a case later featured on the Discovery Health program “Medical Incredible.” You can watch a highlight of this case here.

Final Thoughts

Today’s advances in brain tumor and skull base surgery give patients new options that were once impossible. Minimally invasive techniques, precision imaging, and innovative therapies are transforming outcomes and preserving quality of life.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a brain tumor or is seeking a glioblastoma treatment center in San Diego, early evaluation is key. Choosing an experienced neurosurgeon ensures personalized care and access to cutting-edge techniques that prioritize both safety and recovery.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a brain or skull base tumor or have symptoms that raise concern, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sanjay Ghosh at the SENTA Clinic in San Diego. Call (619) 810-1010 or visit us to request an appointment. Advanced care and precise technology can make a critical difference in your outcome.

Dr. Sanjay Ghosh is a board-certified neurosurgeon at SENTA Clinic in San Diego, fellowship-trained in complex spine and cranial-base surgery. This content is educational and not a substitute for personalized medical advice.