Chordoma

Chordoma tumors are often called brain tumors, but they don’t develop in the brain. Instead, they grow along the spine, often at the base of the skull.

Chordomas grow slowly and most often develop in adults between the ages of 40 and 70. They rarely cause serious symptoms until they’re large, making them hard to detect early. Researchers aren’t sure why, but men are twice as likely to develop chordomas than women.

Because they grow so slowly, the symptoms of a chordoma might not be very noticeable at first. But as the tumor grows, you may experience more troubling symptoms, such as:

• A sizeable chordoma lump
• Endocrine problems
• Sexual dysfunction
• Tingling, numbness or weakness
• Trouble swallowing
• Urinary or fecal incontinence
• Vision problems

If you or your doctor think you might have a chordoma tumor, you’ll work with a neurosurgeon who can oversee the specific tests and procedures needed for a chordoma diagnosis, which may include:

Biopsy

A biopsy collects a small sample of cells through a hollow needle that’s inserted into your skin. The cell sample is sent to a laboratory to be examined by pathologists who are trained to identify cancer cells.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can identify the location and size of a chordoma tumor. These images can also help guide a biopsy.

Chordoma treatment varies. What your doctor recommends will depend on the size and location of the chordoma tumor and your overall health. Chordomas can be especially difficult to treat if they’re on or near the carotid artery, the spinal cord, brain tissue and other nerves.

Chordoma cancer can also sometimes reoccur, so your doctor will closely monitor your health during and after treatment. For this reason, each patient’s chordoma treatment plan needs to be personalized. Your doctor may recommend:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery
• Targeted therapies