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Cordoma

Cordoma is a very rare form of malignant bone cancer. Cordoma usually occurs at the end of the spine. The most common is in the middle of the base of the spine, called the sacrum, but the coccyx can also be affected. It can also occur at the very top towards the back of the skull. The cancer can exist for months or several years before it is discovered.

- Constant pain in the sacrum and tailbone

This form of cancer, when it hits the sacrum and tailbone, can cause constant pain in the sacrum and tailbone.

- Chordoma: Malignant bone cancer of the neck / head can cause nerve symptoms

When a cord affects the upper part of the spine, towards the lower edge of the back of the head, then there may be nerve symptoms - especially towards the eyes.

- Diagnosis with imaging and biopsy

Kordom is diagnosed with imaging (eg. MRI examination, CT or X-ray) and confirmed by tissue sample (biopsy).

- The treatment consists of radiation therapy and surgery

The treatment of chordoma is demanding and complex - as it often is with the treatment of malignant bone cancer. If the cancer has affected the sacrum or coccyx, surgical removal of the tumor is often effective, but this cannot be done as effectively in the upper part of the neck. Cordoma in the base of the skull is thus treated with radiation therapy.

- Regular inspection

In the event of deterioration or the like, persons should go for a check-up to check whether there has been any development or further growth. This is normally done with systematic X-ray examinations (see imaging) to estimate any size development or bloom. Every six months or annually, an X-ray may be necessary, but it may be taken less frequently if no further development is seen.

Also read: - You need to know this about bone cancer! (Here you will also find a great overview of benign and malignant forms of bone cancer)