Our noses do more than just smell. They are, in many ways, the literal doorway to the brain. In fact, one Baylor College of Medicine specialist is now working on removing certain types of brain tumors through the nasal passageways. Dr. Mas Takashima, assistant professor of otolaryngology at BCM, is using new special cameras and tools to remove brain tumors called pituitary adenomas and meningiomas through the nose. These types of tumors are typically located near the base of the skull, just above the nose. "In the past, removing these tumors involved splitting the skull and actually moving the brain to get to them," Takashima said. "Technology is allowing us to find minimally invasive alternatives, and since a portion of the brain sits along the roof of the nose, the nose may be the easiest route to certain tumors." The procedure involves an endoscope, a thin, tube-like camera that is fed through the nose and sinuses. Endoscopic tools are …

Last Modified: Monday, April 30th, 2007 @ 05:00

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