Does chordoma show on CT scan?

On CT scans, chordomas appear homogeneous, with a density comparable to that of muscles. The tumor appearance on contrast enhancement is heterogeneous. Calcification is found in less than one half of patients, and differentiation from sequestered bone fragments is difficult.

What does a sacral chordoma feel like?

Symptoms associated with a lumbar or sacral chordoma: Low back pain or tail bone pain. Weakness and/or numbness in the legs. Loss of bladder and bowel control. A mass on the low back or tailbone that is tender to the touch.

How do I know if I have chordoma?

These symptoms can include tingling, numbness, weakness, lack of bladder or bowel control, sexual dysfunction, vision problems, endocrine problems and swallowing difficulties. If the chordoma has grown very large, you may be able to feel a lump.

How is a chordoma diagnosed?

An MRI is the best way to see a chordoma and how it is affecting the tissue around it, such as muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. No matter where the tumor is located, an MRI of the entire spine should be performed to see if the tumor may have spread to or developed in other areas of the spine.

Is chordoma curable?

How is chordoma treated? When possible, chordomas are removed with surgery. Radiation therapy is sometimes used after surgery, or alone if surgery is not possible. Chordomas can be difficult to treat because they grow on the spine, near important tissues like nerves and blood vessels.

What is the best treatment for chordoma?

In most cases, surgery is recommended as the main treatment for chordoma. Radiation therapy is generally recommended after surgery to kill any remaining tumor cells. At times radiation is given before surgery to reduce the risk of the tumor spreading during surgery.

What are the symptoms of a sacral chordoma?

There is a male-to-female ratio of 2–3:1 (4). The tumor is slow growing, which accounts for the relatively large tumor sizes seen in the sacrococcygeal region at presentation (5). Symptoms of sacral chordoma are indolent and include pain, numbness, constipation, weakness, and incontinence.

Can a chordoma be removed with radiation therapy?

When possible, chordomas are removed with surgery. Radiation therapy is sometimes used after surgery, or alone if surgery is not possible. Chordomas can be difficult to treat because they grow on the spine, near important tissues like nerves and blood vessels.

What is the survival rate for sacral chordoma?

Previous studies reported a 5-year survival rate of approximately 50% and a 10-year survival rate of approximately 30% for sacrococcygeal chordoma (9, 10).

What kind of biopsy is done on sacral chordoma?

After MR imaging, a CT-guided core biopsy was performed with a 13-gauge coaxial biopsy needle by using a left posterior parasacral approach. Frozen-section analysis yielded a preliminary diagnosis of chordoma.