title: Petroclival tumors: a synthesis.
abstract: This article focuses on petroclival tumors, which are rare lesions of the posterior fossa-an area that is difficult to access. Because of their location, rarity, insidious growth, and relentless natural progression toward a fatal outcome, petroclival tumors pose major management problems. With improved microsurgical techniques, however, these tumors can be approached and removed with preservation of vital neural and vascular structures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: McElveen
authors.forename: B E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Dorfman
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fukushima
mesh_terms: D003388:Cranial Fossa, Posterior / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008579:Meningioma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D010579:Petrous Bone / Q000601:surgery; D019292:Skull Base Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*