Chordomas are malignant but slow-growing bone tumors that can occur along the spine or lower portion of the skull.
Most commonly, they appear on the lower back or base of the skull.
Chordomas grow from the remnants of embryonic tissue that help form the spine during prenatal development.
ljubaphoto / Getty Images
When these cells remain after birth, they can develop into tumors, which can metastasize and become aggressive.
They occur in men almost twice as often as in women.
As chordomas grow, they compress nerves connected to the part of the brain where they reside.
If they become large enough, it may be possible to feel the tumor.
If notochord cells remain after birth, they can become chordomas.
The underlying reason this occurs is unknown, and there is no way to prevent a chordoma from happening.
Diagnosis
Because chordomas grow so slowly, it may take years for symptoms to appear.
Sometimes patients might feel a lump and only then see their physician for further testing.
Confirming a chordoma diagnosis may require a biopsy and diagnostic imaging.
Biopsies are helpful to distinguish a chordoma from another pop in of tumor.
Diagnostic imaging can help doctors visualize the chordoma and see if it has spread to other areas.
Radiation is also used as a primary treatment when surgical removal is not possible.
For example, chordomas on the base of the skull can press against the brain and become life-threatening.
With early chordoma detection, prognosis can be more positive.
Over half of all chordomas recur at some point after treatment.
Recurrence can occur several years later, and many happen more than once.
Your Prognosis
A chordoma prognosis will depend on your specific circumstances and the location of the tumor.
You should discuss with your healthcare provider which treatment options are best for your particular situation.
A Word From Verywell
A chordoma diagnosis can be overwhelming.
However, there are successful treatments and specialists who can help.
Talk with your healthcare provider about the details of your diagnosis and which treatment options are best for you.
Early detection offers the best treatment options and improves the overall prognosis.
Heery CR.Chordoma: the quest for better treatment options.Oncol Ther.
4(1):35-51. doi:10.1007/s40487-016-0016-0
Chordoma Foundation.Local recurrence.
