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Extranotochordal extralaryngeal chordoma: a case report
Zeljko Bumber1, Simun Krizanac, Sasa Janjanin
1University Department of ENT, Head & Neck Surgery, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Salata 4, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
Auris, Nasus, Larynx
|March 25, 2008
Summary
This case study details an extremely rare extranotochordal chordoma in the neck. The patient successfully recovered after surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy, showing no tumor recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Radiology
Background:
- Chordomas are rare, slow-growing malignant neoplasms originating from notochordal remnants.
- Typically, chordomas occur in the sacrococcygeal or spheno-occipital regions.
- Extranotochordal chordomas, particularly in extralaryngeal locations, are exceptionally uncommon.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old male presented with dysphagia and hoarseness.
- Neck MRI revealed a well-enhanced, encapsulated tumor in the left retrolaryngeal space (C4 level).
- The tumor dislocated the larynx but did not invade the cervical vertebra or surrounding soft tissues, though it caused superficial erosion of the thyroid and cricoid cartilages.
Findings:
- Pathologic examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed the lesion as a dedifferentiated chordoma.
- Surgical resection (left radical neck dissection and tumor extirpation) was performed.
- The patient received adjuvant radiotherapy post-surgery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the possibility of extranotochordal chordoma in unusual locations.
- Early diagnosis and multimodal treatment (surgery and radiotherapy) can lead to favorable outcomes.
- Further research into rare chordoma presentations and management is warranted.
