Cytogenetic analysis of 101 skull base tumors.

Background: Skull base tumors are rare neoplasms and the cytogenetic data on these tumors are limited. The authors cytogenetically analyzed a large series of tumors and compared the findings with patients' pathologic data.

Methods: The karyotypes of pathologically confirmed samples of 101 patients, who were operated for oncological extirpation of tumors, were analyzed using G-banding and spectral-karyotyping techniques.

Results: Of the 67 malignant tumors, 32 (48%) had chromosomal aberrations, some with complex numerical and structural chromosomal anomalies. Recurrent chromosomal breakpoints were identified in squamous cell carcinomas, adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs), sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas, chordomas, and sarcomas. Specific breakpoints established the diagnosis of various soft tissue sarcomas. Novel chromosomal aberrations were found in various other malignant and benign tumors.

Conclusion: This study highlights the value of cytogenetic analysis for diagnosis of skull base tumors. The data add further information on the biological behavior of these rare neoplasms.