Chordomas are benign, slow-growing tumors that are usually seen in patients 50 to 60 years old. Their most common locations of these tumors are the base of the skull and the lower portion of the spine. Although these tumors are benign, they tend to invade the adjacent bone and put pressure on nearby neural tissue. These are rare tumors, constituting only 0.2% of all primary brain tumors.
SYMPTOMS
For patients with tumors involving the skull, the most common symptoms are headache and double vision. For tumors involving the spine, symptoms could include back pain and progressive problems with leg strength, leg sensation or bowel/bladder problems. In most cases, the symptoms relate to the size and location of the tumor.
DIAGNOSIS
While the history and physical examination are always important, the diagnosis of these tumors depends on good imaging studies. The best test is an MRI performed both without and with intravenous contrast material. CT scanning can also show these tumors, but MRI is more sensitive.
TREATMENT
When possible, the best treatment for chordomas is complete surgical resection. Unfortunately, complete resection is not always possible. Post-operative radiation therapy is sometimes recommended, as is stereotactic radiosurgery. These decisions are usually made by the neurosurgeon in consultation with a radiation oncologist.
For more comprehensive information about this condition, visit the Chordoma Foundation web site.