Chordoma & Chondrosarcoma

Chordoma and chondrosarcoma are rare tumors that develop in the bones of the skull base or spine. Chordomas arise from leftover cells from early spinal development, while chondrosarcomas develop from cartilage cells; both tend to grow slowly but can be locally aggressive.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms depend on location and can include headaches, neck or back pain, vision changes, or weakness and numbness if the tumor presses on the spinal cord or nearby nerves.

Causes & Risk Factors

The cause of both tumor types is generally unknown, and they aren’t typically linked to a specific lifestyle risk factor.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves MRI and CT imaging, along with a biopsy to distinguish between tumor types and rule out other conditions.

Treatment Options

Treatment usually centers on surgical removal, often combined with specialized radiation therapy, given these tumors’ location near critical structures.

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This information is for general education and isn’t a diagnosis or medical advice. To find out what’s right for you, request an appointment or call 810-262-7030.