Chordoma in Brain – Key Facts

Chordoma in Brain – Key Facts Chordoma is a rare brain cancer that starts at the skull base. It’s hard to treat because of where it is. This tumor grows slowly and is not as aggressive as some others. Knowing about chordoma is key for early treatment.

Understanding Chordoma: An Overview

Chordomas are rare tumors that grow slowly and can come back after treatment. They are a kind of skull base tumor and can also be a spine tumor. These tumors start from leftover parts of the notochord, a structure important in the early growth of the spine and skull base.

What is Chordoma?

Chordoma is a bone cancer that comes from leftover cells from the notochord. These cells are important during the early growth of the spine and skull base. But they usually don’t cause problems after birth. Yet, sometimes they can turn into tumors.

---

Get Free Consultation

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

- Step 1 of 4

Select Your Gender *

• Woman
• Man

Next

Select Your Age

Age: 0

Next

When do you plan on getting The Treatment? *

• As Soon
• 3 Months
• 1 Year
• Only Info

Next

What is your name? *

Dropdown *Select Your TreatmentCheck-upEar Nose ThroatCardiovascular SurgeryMedical OncologyDentistryNutrition and DieteticsPediatricsDermatologyPhysical Therapy and RehabilitationGeneral SurgeryOphtalmologyInternal MedicineObstetrics and GynecologyWeight Loss SurgeryOrthopedics Traumatology and Sport InjuriesNeurologyNeurosurgeryRadiation OncologyEndoscopyCardiologyRadiologyUrologyOrgan TransplantationHematologyAesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryBone Marrow TransplantationIVF

Phone *

What is your email? *

Paragraph Text

Get Your Consultation

---

ACIBADEM Health Point: The Future of Healthcare

We believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, which is why we have established multiple branches in strategic locations. Whether you're in need of routine check-ups, specialized treatments, or emergency care, ACIBADEM Health Point is here for you.

---

Types of Chordoma

There are mainly two kinds of chordomas based on where they are found:

• Clival Chordoma: This type is at the skull base and can touch brain structures and nerves.
• Sacral Chordoma: This one is at the lower spine and can cause problems because it’s near important spinal nerves and tissues.

Common Symptoms

People with chordoma may have different symptoms based on where the tumor is:

• Pain: This is a common symptom, especially with spine tumors.
• Neurological Deficits: These can include vision problems, headaches, and trouble with basic nerve functions.
• Local Tissue Destruction: As chordomas grow, they can destroy nearby tissues, causing various symptoms.

Knowing about chordoma characteristics and symptoms is key for early diagnosis and treatment. Even though they grow slowly, these tumors are often found late because their symptoms are not clear. This shows why it’s important to be aware and seek medical help early.

Causes and Risk Factors of Chordoma in the Brain

The chordoma causes are still being studied. But, research points to genetic mutations as key. The T gene mutations are thought to be important in chordoma development. These changes can mess with cell functions, leading to tumors.

Looking at chordoma risk factors, we see some patterns. Males get it more often than females. People over 40 are also more likely to get it. Having a family history of chordoma makes getting it more likely. Getting a lot of radiation from treatments can also increase the risk.

Even with known chordoma causes and chordoma risk factors, many cases don’t have a clear cause. The International Society of Brain Tumor Research is looking into these cases. They want to find more genetic and environmental factors.

Symptoms and Early Signs of Brain Chordoma

The early signs of chordoma are subtle but can get worse over time. It’s important to spot these symptoms early for better treatment.

Neurological Symptoms

Patients may feel weak, numb, or lose function in different parts of their body. This depends on where and how big the tumor is. Vision problems, like seeing double or losing sight, can happen early because the tumor presses on eye nerves.

Headaches that don’t go away are also common and need quick medical help.

Common Pain Areas

Pain from chordoma can be in many places. It often hurts in the back, neck, and at the base of the skull. This is because the tumor presses on nerves and tissues there.

This pain can spread to other areas, causing more discomfort. Neck pain is especially important because it can mean the tumor is affecting the spine and brain. Finding and treating it early is very important.

Diagnostic Methods for Brain Chordoma

Finding out if someone has a chordoma is very important for treatment. Doctors use different ways to check for and understand these tumors.

Imaging Techniques

Imaging like MRI and CT scans is key for finding chordomas. These tests show where the tumor is and how big it is. This helps doctors plan surgery and know how serious it is.

MRIs show the brain’s details well and help tell chordomas apart from other tumors. CT scans show the bones and how the tumor affects them.

Biopsy Procedures

Getting a biopsy is a big step in confirming a chordoma. Doctors use special tools to take a sample from the tumor. Then, they look at it under a microscope to see what kind of tumor it is.

This careful way of checking makes sure the diagnosis is right. It helps doctors know the best way to treat the patient.

Role of Genetic Testing

Testing for chordoma genes is getting more important. It helps find specific genetic changes linked to chordomas. This can lead to treatments that fit the patient’s body better.

Even though it’s new, adding genetic testing to treatment plans could make a big difference. It helps doctors understand and treat these tumors better.

Treatment Options for Brain Chordoma

When treating chordoma, doctors use a mix of treatments. First, surgery tries to remove the whole tumor. This is a key step but might need more treatment later.

After surgery, doctors use radiation to kill any leftover cancer cells. Proton beam therapy is a new way to target just the tumor. It’s less harmful to healthy tissue around it.

Chemotherapy is not often used for chordoma because these tumors grow slowly. But, it might be needed for fast-growing tumors or if the cancer spreads.

Top cancer centers agree on these treatments. They work together to make a treatment plan that fits the patient and the chordoma type.

Surgical Approaches for Chordoma in the Brain

Surgery for chordoma in the brain is very complex. It’s because the tumor is close to important brain parts. The main goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible without harming the brain. Different methods are used based on the tumor’s size, where it is, and the patient’s health.

Types of Surgery

There are two main ways to do chordoma surgery: through the skull and through the nose. The skull method is for bigger tumors or those easy to reach. The nose method is less invasive, going through the nose for smaller tumors at the base of the skull.

Risks and Complications

Even with new surgery methods, there are still big risks. These include leaks of cerebrospinal fluid, brain damage, and infections. Doctors must look closely at each patient to lessen these risks. They follow strict surgery plans and guidelines to help avoid bad outcomes.

But, surgery is key to helping chordoma patients live longer and better. It’s very important for their health.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Brain Chordoma

Non-surgical treatments are key for brain chordoma, especially when surgery can’t be done. They aim to hit the tumor without harming healthy tissue. This helps improve life quality and can make people live longer.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy for chordoma uses photon and proton beams. Proton beams are chosen for their accuracy, which helps protect the brain. These treatments happen in special places with the right tech to focus high radiation on the tumor.

Here is a look at the different radiation therapy options:

Chemotherapy Options

Chemotherapy isn’t as strong for slow-growing tumors like chordoma. But, it might be used for tough cases or when surgery can’t be done. It tries to make the tumor smaller or stop it from growing. Doctors look into new treatments and clinical trials for better options, like targeted and immunotherapies.

New advances in non-surgical treatments give hope to those with brain chordoma. These methods can greatly improve outcomes when surgery isn’t possible. They’re a key part of a full care plan.

Post-Treatment Care and Recovery

After treatment for a brain chordoma, it’s key to follow a careful recovery plan. This helps ensure you get back to living well.

Important steps in chordoma recovery include regular check-ups with scans. These tests help spot any signs of the tumor coming back early.

• Regular Follow-Ups: Frequent imaging like MRI and CT scans to check if the tumor has come back.
• Physical Therapy: Programs made just for you to boost strength, balance, and physical skills.
• Psychological Support: Help for your mind and feelings to deal with the effects of the brain tumor and its treatment.
• Rehabilitation Services: Plans that mix different therapies to help you live well after treatment and support your long-term health.

A key part of good brain tumor post-treatment care is having a team of experts. This team should include doctors, therapists, and mental health workers. They work together to help you recover.

Groups like the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and patient support groups offer great advice and help. They give important info and support to manage life after brain tumor treatment.

Specialists and Medical Centers for Brain Chordoma

Finding a specialist who knows a lot about chordoma is key to getting better. A chordoma specialist with lots of experience makes sure you get the right diagnosis and treatment. This is very important because chordoma is a rare brain tumor.

Finding a Specialist

To find a good chordoma specialist, ask for advice from other patients, check with medical groups, and look at special networks. Places like the National Institutes of Health and the Chordoma Foundation have lists of doctors. Your regular doctor can also point you in the right direction.

Top Medical Centers

Great brain cancer medical centers have the latest technology and teams that work together for the best care. Places like the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins Hospital are top choices for treating chordoma. They offer new treatments and clinical trials that can help a lot.Chordoma in Brain – Key Facts

Using the National Institutes of Health Hospital Rankings can show you where to go for the best care.