Stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic radiotherapy in the treatment of skull base meningiomas.

Meningiomas are the most common nonglial brain tumors. They tend to be slow growing and benign and can reach substantial sizes before becoming symptomatic. Complete surgical resection of intracranial meningiomas remains the treatment of choice. Location of a meningioma within the cranial vault may make complete surgical resection unlikely; tumors arising from the dura of the skull base are particularly challenging. Advances in radiation therapy, including stereotactic techniques, can expand the options for treatment available in these situations. They may be used as adjuncts to surgery or as alternative modalities in the treatment of these complex tumors.