Читать книгу Anterior Skull Base Tumors - Группа авторов - Страница 7

Nicolai P, Bradley PJ (eds): Anterior Skull Base Tumors. Adv Otorhinolaryngol. Basel, Karger, 2020, vol 84, pp VII–VII (DOI: 10.1159/000505104)

Preface

The anterior skull base can be involved in a large variety of tumors of a varying nature and histology, which in the majority of cases originate from adjacent anatomic sites. In fact, primary lesions of the anterior skull base mainly include osteoma and other tumors originating from bone and cartilage. Tumors involving the anterior skull base prevalently have their origin in the sinonasal tract, but also lesions developing on the intracranial site, such as meningiomas, may extend caudally to encroach upon this area. All these lesions are rare, meaning the pertinent literature cannot include prospective studies or treatment guidelines based on a high level of evidence.

In recent years, interest in the management of anterior skull base tumors has been fostered by the introduction and subsequent rapid expansion of indications of transnasal endoscopic techniques. In parallel, extraordinary progress has been made in all the other disciplines (pathology, radiology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology) which are involved in the complex process of managing anterior skull base tumors, leading to substantial improvements in diagnosis and treatment.

The present book includes 20 chapters written by experts of worldwide reputation in their respective fields. In view of the extreme histologic variability of lesions involving the anterior skull base, much emphasis has been placed on addressing the different nuances of treatment in relation to histology, especially for malignant tumors. The chapters focusing on surgery reflect the experience of the senior author, and consequently can provide divergent views on selection criteria for a specific surgical technique.

I dedicate this book to my mentor, Prof. Antonino Roberto Antonelli, who with his wisdom and vision was instrumental in my education and inspired my interest in skull base surgery. I also want to express my deep gratitude to Patrick Bradley, who had the idea for this book approximately 3 years ago, and has been the real engine throughout the entire process of preparation and editing. The book is published after some delay in relation to the original schedule for personal reasons, for which I take full responsibility. All the authors deserve my appreciation for agreeing to provide a last-minute update to their chapters.

I genuinely hope that readers will profit from this book!

Piero Nicolai, Padua, Italy

Patrick J. Bradley, Nottingham, UK