What is chordoma?

Chordomas are tumors that may arise at any point within the spine or base of the skull. Chordomas occur most often in the lower back, in the sacral region, one-third to one-half of chordomas and also usually in the base of the skull, approximately one-third of chordomas. Chordomas originate from residual portions of the notochord embryonic tissue which will develop into the core of spinal discs.

Although they usually grow slowly, these tumours are cancerous and have the potential to spread. Even slowly developing chordomas have the potential to grow aggressively and fairly large locally, pressing on or invading vital areas of the spine or brain, which can be life-threatening or cause pain and nerve issues.

Who do chordomas affect?

Anyone can get a chordoma. However, such tumors occur primarily in adults within the age groups of 50 to 80 years. Just about 5% of affected children are of this condition.

The likelihood of having a chordoma is roughly 1.5 times higher for men and those assigned male at birth than for women and those assigned female.

What are the symptoms of chordoma?

A chordoma puts pressure on the surrounding regions of your spinal cord or brain as it grows. The symptoms of chordoma are a direct result of that pressure. Additionally, they may vary depending on where the tumour is located in your spine.

Some general chordoma symptoms include:

• Pain in your back
• Weakness or numbness in your arms and/or legs

Symptoms that may be due to a chordoma located at the base of your skull are:

• Double vision (diplopia)
• Blurry vision
• Headaches
• Numbness or pain in your face.

Signs of a chordoma in your tailbone can be:

• A palpable mass in your tailbone.
• Difficulty passing urine or bowel movements.
• You may have back or tailbone pain.

What causes cancerous chordomas?

Usually, doctors cannot explain why the leftover notochord turns malignant. Researchers still try to explain this but getting answers is a bit tough as chordomas are rare.

Unlike some other bone cancers, there is no known connection of chordomas to previous medical treatments. On the other hand, some children who have a rare condition affecting their genes called tuberous sclerosis develop chordomas, as well as numerous other cancers. Sometimes, these genetic changes are inherited from a parent. Other times they occur in the womb.

How are chordomas diagnosed?

Your doctor will enquire about your medical history and symptoms. They will probably do a neurological and physical examination.

If they detect a tumour, they will arrange an imaging test, such as an MRI, computed tomography (CT), or X-ray.

Your doctor will probably refer you to a bone cancer specialist to confirm your diagnosis. You may need additional imaging studies to understand better where the chordoma lies and if it has spread to other parts of your body.

The only way to clearly diagnose chordoma is through a biopsy, usually a needle biopsy. This requires taking a small portion of the tumor so an expert can observe it in detail under a microscope.

How is chordoma treated?

Surgery is the recommended course treatment for chordomas. The best chance of extending survival is to remove the tumour completely (en bloc resection). However, this is usually quite difficult because the tumours are situated in particular body parts. For example, base-of-skull chordomas are not feasible.

An intervertebral chordoma may grow into your spinal cord and critical nerves and blood vessels nearby; this could pose permanent risks to life if such structures are destroyed during surgical procedures. Chordomas arising near the base of your skull pose significant problems due to the intimate proximity of major structures, like your brainstem, cranial nerves, and spinal cord; removal is only partially feasible, and the neurosurgeon endeavours to remove as much of it as is safe to do.

Chordomas generally are resistant to radiation therapy and chemotherapy as the primary treatments. To reduce the chance of this tumour returning after surgery, your doctor can advise radiation therapy.

Ongoing research about experimental therapies used in chordoma includes targeted therapy and immunotherapy. There can be clinical studies you can volunteer for.

There is nothing you can do to prevent developing chordoma. Most cases occur spontaneously.

If you have a family history of the disease or tuberous sclerosis, see your medical professional frequently so they can check for chordoma symptoms. They should catch it as soon as possible.

What is the outlook of chordoma?

The following variables affect chordoma prognosis (outlook):

• The tumour's location and how much can be surgically removed: Complete tumour eradication is linked to a better prognosis. Only nonsurgical therapy is linked to a poorer outcome.
• If it has metastasised or spread: A lower survival rate is linked to distant metastases.
• Your age at diagnosis: The survival rate is generally lower for those over 60.
• Whether or not the tumour is dedifferentiated: The prognosis for poorly differentiated chordoma is worse than that of conventional chordoma, regardless of whether the tumour has dedifferentiation.

You can get more information about what to expect from your medical providers. Ask questions if you have any.

Can chordoma be fatal?

Yes, chordoma causes death; especially in tissue destruction in your spinal cord, brain or brainstem after it has recurred (come back).

A patient study showed that chordoma survival rates were as follows:

• At three years: 80.5%.
• At five years: 68.4%
• At 10 years: 39.2%

Keep in mind that this is a statistical average. Your medical provider can give you more specific survival rate information based on your situation.

How often should I go to my medical provider to see about chordoma?

Recurrences of chordomas are common and can occur years after treatment has been completed. For this reason, long-term follow-up with your medical team is essential.

If you notice any new or worsening symptoms, discuss them with your medical provider.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for chordoma?

Tender Palm Hospital, owned by doctors, is renowned for attracting the most experienced professional in the country, with the finest neurologist and neurosurgeons specialized in chordoma. Tender Palm stands out as the premier Neurology hospital in Lucknow, India. Boasting cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technology, Tender Palm ensures top-notch medical care for its patients.

To seek an expert consultation for any Neurology condition

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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