Combined otolarygologic and neurosurgical approaches to tumors of the temporal bone and skull base.

Craniofacial resections are extensive procedures with serious potential complications and may not lead to cure but appear to offer an appreciable palliative benefit. This is acceptable for situations normally considered inevitably fatal. Most neoplasms of the head and neck are relatively slow growing and metastasize to distant sites late in their course. This can lead to months or years of suffering. Eliminating a bulky, unsightly, painful neoplasm can make remaining life more tolerable. Further, if cure is to be at all possible, an attempt must be made at total excision. In the recent experience of the Lahey Clinic with five patients utilizing a combined approach, results have been gratifying for both patients and surgeons.