Chordoma

Chordoma is a rare tumor that arises from the remnants of the embryonic notochord. The notochord is a structure that is usually present during embryonic development and later develops into discs between the adult vertebrae. The tumor develops from the remnants of the notochord, which have not turned into discs.

Chordoma is a rare tumor that accounts for less than 5% of all brain and spinal cord tumors. The characteristic places of its development are the base of the skull and the sacral region. Chordoma can be malignant or benign, and its growth can cause compression of surrounding tissues and organs.

Chordoma is usually diagnosed through medical tests such as an X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment for chordoma depends on its type, location and size. Chordoma can be removed surgically or treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Chordoma is a rare tumor and little is known about its causes. Research is currently being conducted to identify genetic mutations that may be associated with the development of chordoma. The possibility of new methods of treatment and prevention of this tumor is also being explored.

Chordoma poses a serious threat to the patient's health, and its treatment requires a comprehensive approach. It is important to see a specialist if you experience any symptoms associated with this tumor, such as headaches, blurred vision or hearing, or problems sleeping or coordinating your movements. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of a full recovery.



Chordoma: A rare tumor from the remnants of the embryonic notochord

Chordoma is a rare form of tumor that arises from the remnants of the embryonic notochord. The embryonic notochord is a structure that plays an important role in the development of the spine and nervous system in the early embryo. Chordoma most often occurs at the base of the skull and sacral region.

Chordoma is a rare disease and accounts for less than 1% of all malignant spinal tumors. It is most common in adults aged 40 to 60 years, but can occur at any age. Chordoma is slow growing and usually does not spread to other parts of the body, but its location can lead to serious complications.

Typical sites for the development of chordoma are the base of the skull and the sacral region. In the case of skull base chordoma, the tumor can put pressure on surrounding structures such as the brain, nerve roots and eyeballs. This can lead to a variety of neurological symptoms, including headaches, vision changes, limb weakness and loss of balance.

Chordoma in the sacral area can also cause unpleasant symptoms. It can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to low back pain, weakness in the legs, and changes in bladder and bowel function.

Diagnosing chordoma can be difficult because its symptoms can be similar to other spinal conditions. Diagnosis usually requires a comprehensive examination, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and tumor biopsy.

Treatment for chordoma includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor while trying to preserve surrounding healthy tissue and organ functionality. Radiation therapy is used to kill remaining cancer cells after surgery and prevent recurrence. Chemotherapy may be used if the tumor has spread or if surgery is not possible.

The prognosis for patients with chordoma depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the extent to which it has spread. Although chordoma can be an aggressive tumor, some patients can achieve positive results with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. However, due to the complexity of treatment and potential complications associated with the location of chordoma, further research and development of new therapeutic approaches remain important directions.

In conclusion, chordoma is a rare tumor derived from the remnants of the embryonic notochord. Its characteristic places of development are the base of the skull and the sacral region. Diagnosis and treatment of chordoma require a multidisciplinary approach and may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Despite the challenges associated with this tumor, modern treatments can help patients achieve positive results and improve their quality of life.



Chordomas are characterized by a malignant course and damage to surrounding tissues. The name chordomas has a common root with the word “chord”, and is associated with their origin from the tissues that form the chord of the embryo - the part of the embryo that is actively formed only in the first two months of pregnancy (in later periods it



Contents: Topic overview

Chordoma (from the Greek chorde - "chord" and -oma, meaning tumor or focus of pathological changes) is a rare malignant neoplasm that arises from the remnants of the human embryonic chord. It develops in places where chordal tissues are preserved and developed. These locations include the base of the skull, the sacrococcygeal region, and areas along the spine. Chordoma is diagnosed in approximately half of patients with newly diagnosed skull or spinal cord cancer over the age of 55. More common in men than women aged 64 years and older. In general, chordoma has a relatively low morbidity and mortality rate for its tumor type. However, it is one of the most highly malignant tumors of the skull and sacrum, and treatment can be challenging. This disease can affect the bones of the skull, the bones of the spinal column, the coccygeal bone and the soft tissues of the head and neck. Chordal tissues can



Is chordoma a rare tumor disease or not so rare?

**Chordoma** (Chordomas) is a rare type of tumor that develops from the remnants of a defective chord, which is one of the important organs of embryonic development located in the spine. Despite its rare distribution, this tumor is quite common. To a greater extent, when diagnosing chordoma, the base of the skull (95%) and the sacral spine (70%) are affected.

Primary chordoma is usually described as a neoplasia arising from remnants of the neural crest present in the human embryo and resulting from abnormal tissue regression. Since the notochord usually deteriorates more quickly than the neural crest tissue, its crestal elements become overgrown with calcifications called “gangliogliomas.” As neural ridge tissue forms neurocyte-type dendrites, it