Chordoma

Characteristics

• Rare and low grade
• Occurs at the sacrum, near the lower tip of the spine, or at the base of the skull
• Originates from cells left over from early fetal development
• Invades the bone and soft tissues but rarely the brain tissue
• Can block the ventricles, causing hydrocephalus (water on the brain)
• Can metastasize (spread) or recur

Symptoms

• Double vision
• Headaches

Treatment

Surgery and radiation therapy are the common forms of treatment. Chordomas at the base of the skull can be difficult to remove. Surgical resection may be possible if the tumor is located in the spine.