OBJECTIVE: To explore the diagnostic accuracy of three-dimensional CT reconstruction and cephalometry in lateral skull base tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with lateral skull base tumors were randomly divided into control group (n = 29, examined with conventional diagnostic technique) or study group (n = 29, examined with three-dimensional CT reconstruction and cephalometry). The diagnostic accuracy, tumor distribution and image characteristics were compared between both patient groups. RESULTS: In control group, preoperative tumor diagnosis was consistent with intraoperative diagnosis in 20 patients, similar in 7 patients and discrepant in 2 patients. In study group, there were 24 consistent, 4 similar, and 1 discrepant diagnoses (p < 0.05 vs. control group). Frequency of individual tumor types, as revealed by either diagnostic method, was comparable. The images obtained with three-dimensional CT reconstruction were clearer, facilitating an accurate demonstration of the tumor, including tumor size and location. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional CT reconstruction and cephalometry provides accurate diagnosis of lateral skull base tumors, which is helpful for subsequent surgical treatment.
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