What is Chordoma?
Chordoma is a rare, slow-growing malignant tumor that develops in the spine and skull bones. It is thought to form from the remnants of the notochord (a preliminary structure present in a developing baby in the womb, which eventually forms the spinal cord).
Causes of Chordoma
The exact cause of a chordoma has not been established with certainty. Chordomas are more common in adults than in children.
Impact of Chordoma
They can be life-threatening and difficult to treat and therefore require specialized follow-up care.
Symptoms of Chordoma
The most evident signs of chordoma are pain and neurological changes. Symptoms typical to a skull-based chordoma include headache, issues with vision such as double vision, and pain in the neck region. Symptoms vary depending on the size of the tumor. For instance, a large chordoma may bring about changes in voice and speech, as well as changes in facial sensation or movement and swallowing function. Some other symptoms include weakness in the limbs, pain, body pain, and changes in the functioning of the bowel or bladder.
Diagnosis of Chordoma
Diagnosis involves imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans. Your doctor may recommend X-rays to determine the extent of bone damage due to the tumor.
Treatment of Chordoma
Treatment of a chordoma involves removing the maximum possible amount of tumor tissue via surgery. Surgery is followed by an aggressive dose of radiation therapy to kill any surrounding tumor cells. Radiation therapy is usually recommended as it reduces the risk of recurrence and prolongs survival. In cases of advanced chordoma, chemotherapy may slow down the growth of the tumor or temporarily arrest the progression of the disease. Molecularly targeted cancer drugs are also gaining popularity as a treatment approach for chordomas.
Related Topics:
- Scoliosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spine Trauma
- Spinal Infection
- Spinal Tumors
- Spine Arthritis
- Spinal Instability
- Spinal Injuries at Work
- Back Pain
- Sciatica
- Spinal Fractures
- Fracture of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine
- Disc Herniation
- Spine Deformities
- Spondylodiscitis
- Isthmic spondylolisthesis
- Arm Pain of Spinal Origin
- Cervicogenic Headache
- Spinal Compression Fractures
- Spine Disorders
- Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)
- Benign Spinal Tumors
- Spondylolysis
- Vertebral Compression Fractures
- Facet Joint Arthritis
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Tarlov Cysts
- Tethered Cord Syndrome
- Spine Injuries in Athletes
- Cauda Equina Syndrome
- Kyphosis
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Scheuermann's Kyphosis
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
- Adjacent Segment Disc Disease
- Chordoma
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Spondyloarthropathies
- Lordosis
- Neck and Back Injuries
- Proximal Junctional Kyphosis
- Pathological Fractures of the Spine
- Poor Balance
- Spina Bifida
- Difficulty Walking
- Peripheral Nerve Compression
- Sagittal Imbalance
- Adult Degenerative Scoliosis
- Discitis
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis
- Idiopathic Scoliosis
- Spine Bone Spurs
- Spinal Stenosis
- Epidural Abscess
- Whiplash
- Mid-back Pain
- Metastatic Tumors
- Osteoporotic Fractures
- Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
- Adult Kyphosis-Types and Causes
- Back Pain in Children
- Neck Strains and Sprains
- Radiculopathy
- Osteoporosis of the Spine
- Degenerative Spinal Conditions
- Disc changes