SKULL BASE CHORDOMA

A chordoma is a type of bone cancer that can happens anywhere along the length of the spine, from the base of the skull to the lower back. A skull chordoma is one that is found at the bottom of the skull. Due to its area in the base of the skull, it affects important structures. These include the nerves that control functions of the face, eyes, and gulping.

Chordomas are uncommon cancers. Anybody can have a chordoma at any age. In any case, they are increasingly common in older people.

TYPES

Skull base chordomas are classified into 3 types:

Conventional. This is the most widely recognized type of chordoma. It is also called chordoma.

Chondroid. This kind of chordoma is similar in outlook as classic chordomas.

Dedifferentiated. The dedifferentiated type of chordoma is increasingly more aggressive. It develops more rapidly than the other types.

SYMPTOMS

 

When you have a skull base chordoma, the symptoms you will encounter are identified with pain or changes in how nerves work. These can include:

  • Headache
  • Neck pain
  • Diplopia or double vision
  • Numbness in the face
  • Stiff facial muscles
  • Speech problems

Difficulty in swallowing

DIAGNOSIS

The methods that are commonly used to diagnose cancer will be utilized to distinguish a skull base chordoma. These may include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI. You may likewise have a blood test or a biopsy.

A chordoma can be mistaken for another kind of bone tumor called a chondrosarcoma. These two tumors can happen in similar places in the body. These tumors additionally appear to be comparable. Chondrosarcomas usually react better to radiation and have better prognosis.

TREATMENT

The treatment for a skull base chordoma is surgery to remove the tumor. The procedure leads to high survival rates.

After surgery, radiation treatment is utilized to kill the cancer cells. Proton beam radiation is frequently utilized. It can concentrate on the involved zone without damage to any basic organs and structures around it. Different types of radiation may be utilized too.

Chemotherapy usually doesn’t function effectively in treating a skull base chordoma. Presently, no medicines are endorsed for treating chordomas.

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