The skull base is a complex anatomic region that is the intersection of major nerves and blood vessels entering and exiting the brain, eye, and ear. Conditions in this region are best managed by a team of specialists that tailors treatment to the specific patient and tumor.

The Center for Skull Base Surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center has been providing state of the art care for almost 1,000 patients with skull base tumors over 15 years. Under the leadership of center director Dr. Steve C. Lee, MD, PhD, a multidisciplinary team is available to effectively treat a wide range of skull base tumors and diseases.

Why Choose us for Skull Base Surgery

  • Complete care: Your care includes advanced surgical treatments and the most optimal, innovative healthcare all within a one-stop shop.
  • All the experts in one place: Our center includes not only a core surgical team of neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists, but also a broad range of other specialists. When needed, your care team may also include microvascular reconstruction surgeons, neurotologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, vascular surgeons, interventional and diagnostic neuroradiologists, and pathologists with special expertise in neurologic pathology.
  • National leaders: Our ENT department was ranked No. 45 in the country by U.S. News and World Report in 2008.
  • Whole person care: We care for the whole person, not just the condition or symptoms. You’ll find resources that support your physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Conditions We Treat

We provide diagnosis and treatment of tumors, cysts, and cancers affecting the skull base, such as:

  • Chordoma
  • Craniopharyngioma
  • Esthesioneuroblastoma
  • Rathke's cyst
  • Pituitary tumors
  • Sellar and suprasellar tumors

Services We Offer

  • Endoscopic pituitary surgery, a minimally invasive surgical procedure using an endoscope and other small, non-invasive instruments to remove a pituitary tumor.
  • Infratemporal fossa tumor surgery, a surgical approach that targets tumor growths on the infratemporal fossa, an irregularly shaped cavity located on the side of the skull.
  • Lateral skull base surgery, a surgical option targeting tumor growths for the lateral areas of the skull.
  • Subcranial surgery, a highly sophisticated surgical procedure targeting tumor growths for areas below the cranium.

Meet Our People

Steve C. Lee, MD, PhD

Physician

Dr. Lee completed his residency in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill prior to his two-year fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in skull base surgery and head and neck surgical oncology.

Learn more

Meet Our People

Steve C. Lee, MD, PhD

Physician

Dr. Lee completed his residency in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill prior to his two-year fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in skull base surgery and head and neck surgical oncology.

Learn more