Referring Physicians: Rush Skull Base Tumor Treatment

Our sinus and skull base tumor physicians are fellowship-trained specialists and subspecialists who are experts in treating even the most complex cases. Rush is the highest-volume center for skull base cancer care in Illinois, and that expertise lets us handle the full range of skull base tumors with excellent outcomes.

Along with the benefit of our physicians’ extensive experience, each patient receives highly personalized care. A team of rhinologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, chemotherapy specialists and other specialists across many fields reviews each case at regular conferences to offer the most comprehensive diagnoses and treatment plans. Their collaboration allows them to provide effective care through tailored treatment options and minimally invasive techniques, including endonasal endoscopic surgery. If a patient needs to see multiple specialists, we can coordinate care so the patient can meet with their entire team of physicians on the same day.

As an academic medical center, Rush is at the forefront of research into new tools and techniques for diagnosing and treating sinus and skull base tumors. This includes analyzing malignant tumor genetics for better profiling of tumors, which allows them to offer more targeted therapies for rare sinus, skull base and brain cancers. We offer the most advanced treatments available, including intraoperative CT and surgical navigation, which enables real-time visualization to improve safety and ensure complete tumor removal.

Who Are Ideal Candidates for Skull Base Tumor Treatment at Rush?

Any patient with even the most complex skull base tumor diagnosis will find expert care at Rush, even those who have been told they are not candidates for surgery or have limited options.

Each patient has a full team of specialists from many fields collaborating on their unique case. Together, they can provide comprehensive diagnoses, second opinions, access to clinical trials and treatments that are not widely available at other hospitals.

Why Refer Patients Here for Skull Base Tumor Treatment?

Among the best in the nation: Our ENT, cancer care, neurology and neurosurgery programs are all ranked among the best in the nation U.S. News & World Report, which includes Rush University Medical Center in Chicago on its Best Hospitals Honor Roll. The North American Skull Base Society has also named our specialists as a Multidisciplinary Team of Distinction.
Advanced, minimally invasive treatments: Our specialists work together to offer the safest, most minimally invasive treatments whenever possible, including endoscopic endonasal surgery. Most patients with skull base tumors are candidates for these treatments, allowing for faster recovery, preservation of surrounding tissue, less pain and less scarring. They also offer the full range of surgery, radiation therapy and other therapies backed by genetic research that allows for more targeted, effective treatments.
High volumes, world-class experience: Rush is not only the highest-volume medical center for skull base cancer treatment, it is among the highest-volume centers in the nation. Only about 5% of U.S. hospitals evaluate and treat as many patients with pituitary and skull base tumors as Rush. This expertise allows us to successfully treat even the most complex tumors.

What Is the Process for Referring a Patient?

If you'd like to refer your patient to Rush for skull base tumor care, you can call our Provider Express Line at (312) 947-4725. You can also visit our Refer or Transfer a Patient section to learn more and find our online provider referral form.

We keep in mind that referring physicians are integral to providing care. Our staff makes every effort to provide timely updates on patients and coordination of ancillary services during recovery. Specialists will keep you aware of any test results, diagnoses and treatment plans. They can provide notes via our online records system or contact you directly via text or call.