Is chordoma a benign tumor?
Chordomas form from remnants of the notochord — embryonic tissue that eventually forms the center of spinal disks. These tumors are considered malignant and may metastasize, though they typically grow slowly.
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.
What is the cause of chordoma?
The underlying causes of chordoma are unknown. Most cases arise spontaneously and are not due to an inherited genetic change. A prevailing theory is that acquired genetic abnormalities or mutations result in cancerous growth of notochordal remnants.
Can chordoma be removed?
Initial treatment for a clival chordoma is with surgical removal or debulking. Given their midline location, most clival chordomas and chondrosarcomas are best removed via an endoscopic endonasal approach. However, some extensive and/or laterally placed chordomas may require different skull base surgical approaches.
Can chordoma be seen on xray?
However, radiographs are neither specific nor sensitive for detecting chordoma; for intracranial chordomas, plain films are no longer used. In addition, although plain films are often the first examination for sacrococcygeal and spinal chordomas, CT scanning and MRI are necessary for the diagnosis.
What causes a chordoma?
Who treats chordoma?
A highly trained team of neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, interventional neuroradiologists, and radiosurgeons at the Weill Cornell Medicine Brain and Spine Center are available to treat these tumors.
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 is the meaning of the word cordial?
Definition of cordial (Entry 1 of 2) 1 a : showing or marked by warm and often hearty friendliness, favor, or approval a cordial welcome : politely pleasant and friendly two nations maintaining cordial relations
What is the medical definition of inferior?
Medical Definition of inferior. 1 : situated below and closer to the feet than another and especially another similar part of an upright body especially of a human being — compare superior sense 1 2 : situated in a more posterior or ventral position in the body of a quadruped — compare superior sense 2.
What is the difference between a cordial and a liqueur?
Cordial can also describe a nonalcoholic, syrupy drink such as a lime cordial or elderflower cordial. It’s used more often in the United Kingdom. Historically, cordial described a sweet medicinal tonic that was rather pleasant to take. How Are Liqueurs Made? Liqueurs begin with a base liquor.
What is the meaning of the root word cor?
Cordial shares the Latin root cor with “concord” (meaning “harmony”) and “discord” (meaning “conflict”). Cor means “heart,” and each of these “cor” descendants has something to do with the heart, at least figuratively. “Concord,” which comes from “con-” (meaning “together” or “with”) plus “cor,” suggests that one heart is with another.