Metastatic Chordoma

Metastatic Chordoma: All You Need To Know

About:

Metastatic chordomas are slow-growing and rare malignant bone tumors around the skull base. Approximately, chordomas account for 3 percent of all bone tumors and 20 percent of primary spinal tumors.*

In about 30 to 40 percent of patients, the tumor eventually spreads, or metastasizes, to other parts of the body.

- In men twice as often as in women
- Between ages 50-70, although can be seen at any age
- Younger patients - skull base chordomas
- Older patients - spinal chordomas
- Tests may include an MRI or CT scan and biopsy

A metastatic chordoma is a primary bone tumor. The usual place of occurance is along the spine, sacrum or at the skull base. Research proves that small embryonic remnants which later develop into the disks of the spinal column is the primary location for chordomas. What makes treatment for metastatic chordomas challenging, is their unique location. When chordomas metastasize complications evolve.

Symptoms:

Self-diagnosable:
Commonly causes pain and neurological changes.

People may experience:
Skull base chordomas - headache, neck pain, or double vision. If large chordomas, facial sensation or movement, voice, speech, and swallowing function affected.
Spine and sacrum chordomas - changes in bowel and/or bladder function, tingling, numbness, or weakness of the limbs.

Treatment:

Self-care: Stay positive and opt for a second opinion.

Medications/Therapies: Radiosurgery, radiation therapy, proton therapy (stereotactic radiosurgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies).

Specialists: For other kinds, consult a physician or an oncologist. At mfine we’re here to help you with different areas of health issues, come on board for a holistic treatment program.