Hyderabad Doctors Remove Rare Skull-Base Cancer Without Opening the Skull

Hyderabad 20th January, 2026: In a case that posed a high risk of permanent vision loss and long-term hormonal dysfunction, doctors at CARE Hospitals, Hitech City, successfully removed a rare and complex skull-base cancer using a minimally invasive endoscopic technique, without opening the skull or making any external facial incision. The achievement underscores CARE Hospitals’ advanced expertise in managing some of the most challenging neuro and skull-base conditions.

Bhukya Roja, a 31-year-old woman from Mahabubabad, presented to CARE Hospitals with progressively worsening vision, severe headaches, and menstrual irregularities caused by hormonal imbalance. She had been struggling with these symptoms for several months before seeking specialised medical care. Advanced MRI and CT imaging revealed an extremely rare Sinonasal Chondrosarcoma, a malignant skull-base tumor located in a high-risk region adjacent to the optic nerves, pituitary gland, and internal carotid arteries.

Given the tumor’s critical location, just millimeters from vital neurovascular structures, and the complexity involved, the medical team planned a fully endoscopic endonasal skull-base approach, enabling surgeons to access and remove the tumor through the nasal corridor while avoiding conventional open skull surgery.

The highly complex procedure was performed by Dr. K. Vamshi Krishna, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon & Skull Base Surgery Specialist, using high-definition endoscopic visualization, advanced imaging guidance, and precision surgical instrumentation. The tumor was completely excised without compromising vision, hormonal function, or surrounding critical structures.

“The tumor was located just millimeters away from the optic nerves and the pituitary gland, making it an exceptionally high-risk case,” said Dr. K. Vamshi Krishna. “Early diagnosis and a minimally invasive endoscopic endonasal approach allowed us to achieve complete tumor excision while preserving both vision and hormonal function. Such precision-driven skull-base surgeries demand specialised expertise, advanced technology, and meticulous planning.”

Sinonasal chondrosarcomas account for less than 0.1% of head and neck malignancies. In India, these tumors are often diagnosed late due to their deep location and non-specific symptoms, making surgical management extremely challenging. This advanced endoscopic technique, available at only a limited number of specialised centers globally, offers significant patient benefits, including no facial scars, minimal surgical trauma, reduced postoperative pain, and faster recovery.

The surgery was supported by advanced imaging and real-time endoscopic visualization, enabling precise navigation in deep skull-base regions. Post-surgery, the patient made an uneventful recovery. Clinical follow-up confirmed complete tumor removal, preservation of vision, stabilization of hormonal levels, and no requirement for skull opening.

“This successful outcome reflects CARE Hospitals’ commitment to delivering world-class, patient-centric care for even the most complex neurological conditions,” said Mr. Nilesh Gupta, Chief Operating Officer, CARE Hospitals, Hitech City. “By combining cutting-edge technology, strong clinical governance, and highly skilled multidisciplinary teams, we continue to expand access to minimally invasive, high-impact treatments for patients across the region.”

CARE Hospitals offers comprehensive care for complex brain and skull-base disorders through its advanced Skull Base and Neuro-Oncology Program. By integrating state-of-the-art endoscopic technology, multidisciplinary expertise, and evidence-based clinical protocols, CARE Hospitals, Hitech City, serves as a tertiary referral center for complex neuro and skull-base cases from across Telangana and neighbouring states, setting benchmarks in outcomes and patient safety.