Skull Base Metastases: A Pictorial Review

Compared to other sites of skeletal metastases, skull base metastases are relatively rare with varying incidence reported in the literature. The most frequently implicated cancers are breast, prostate and lung carcinomas and lymphoma. While some lesions are asymptomatic, the clinical presentation may be with pain or cranial neuropathy. Adequate imaging techniques and knowledge of skull base anatomy are essential. Imaging features of metastases at various locations at the skull base will be described, highlighting important anatomical landmarks and clinical implications.