What is cervical chordoma?

Chordoma is a relatively rare low-grade malignant neoplasm deriving from remnants of the notochord, constituting between 1 and 4% of malignant bone tumors. It predominantly arises from the axial skeleton, while extra-axial chordoma has also been reported.

How do I know if I have chordoma?

These symptoms can include tingling, numbness, weakness, lack of bladder or bowel control, sexual dysfunction, vision problems, endocrine problems and swallowing difficulties. If the chordoma has grown very large, you may be able to feel a lump.

How fast do Chordomas grow?

Chordomas grow very slowly. Many people don’t notice any change in their bodies for years. When they do start to have symptoms, it can take a while for the chordoma to be discovered and diagnosed. Most people are diagnosed with chordoma in their 50s and 60s.

How do you treat chordoma?

The primary treatment for chordoma is surgical excision with wide local margins, when possible. Radiotherapy also plays a significant role in the adjuvant setting and when surgery is not possible.

When do chordomas usually occur in the spine?

This type of tumor most often occurs at the skull base, spine or bottom of the spine (sacrum). It forms from small remnants of a coil of cells in the embryo that develops into the disks of the spinal column. A chordoma is found in men twice as often as in women, with most tumors occurring between ages 50 and 70, although can be seen at any age.

How often are chordomas found in men and women?

A chordoma is found in men twice as often as in women, with most tumors occurring between ages 50 and 70, although can be seen at any age. Though commonly slow growing, a chordoma is a difficult tumor to treat because it’s near the spinal cord or other critical structures, such as the carotid artery and brain tissue.

Why is a chordoma a difficult tumor to treat?

Though commonly slow growing, a chordoma is a difficult tumor to treat because it’s near the spinal cord or other critical structures, such as the carotid artery and brain tissue.

How old do you have to be to have a chordoma?

Chordomas can occur at any age but are usually seen in adults (30-70 years). Those located in the spheno-occipital region most commonly occur in patients 20-40 years of age, whereas sacrococcygeal chordomas are typically seen in a slightly older age group (peak around 50 years 10 ).