What is chordoma?
Chordoma is a slow growing cancer of tissue found inside the spine. Chordoma can happen anywhere along the spine. It is most often found near the tailbone (called a sacral tumor) or where the spine meets the skull (called a clival tumor).
What is expert recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of chordoma?
Expert Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chordoma is a handbook produced by the Chordoma Foundation, which summarizes recommendations developed by a group of over 40 leading doctors who specialize in caring for chordoma patients.
Which famous people have had chordoma?
Cary Tennis, the popular advice columnist for Salon, announced in his column of November 19, 2009, that he had been diagnosed with a chordoma. Former Spanish footballer José Enrique was diagnosed with chordoma in May 2018 and underwent surgery to remove the tumour in June of that year.
What is the pathophysiology of chordoma of the notochord?
Chordoma is a rare slow-growing neoplasm thought to arise from cellular remnants of the notochord. The evidence for this is the location of the tumors (along the neuraxis ), the similar immunohistochemical staining patterns, and the demonstration that notochordal cells are preferentially left behind in the clivus…
What is radiosurgery for chordoma?
Radiosurgery. Stereotactic radiosurgery uses multiple beams of radiation to kill the cancer cells in a very small area. Each beam of radiation isn’t very powerful, but the point where all the beams meet — at the chordoma — receives a large dose of radiation to kill the cancer cells. Other treatments.
How do doctors estimate chordoma survival rates?
Doctors estimate chordoma survival rates by how groups of people with chordoma have done in the past. Because there are so few people with chordoma, these rates may not be very accurate. They also don’t consider newer treatments being developed. Even so, we know that the average survival is around 10 years after diagnosis.
What tests are done to diagnose chordoma?
Imaging: When you have symptoms of chordoma, your doctor will take an image of your spine using an MRI to look at the size of the tumor and where it is. They may also use a CT scan to see if the tumor has spread. Biopsy: To check if the tumor is chordoma, your doctor will do a biopsy,…