Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
09:53
Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
Published on: July 5, 2021
Chordoma: current concepts, management, and future directions.
Brian P Walcott1, Brian V Nahed, Ahmed Mohyeldin
1Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA. walcott.brian@mgh.harvard.edu
The Lancet. Oncology
|February 4, 2012
Summary
Chordoma is a rare, aggressive bone cancer arising from notochord remnants, primarily affecting the axial skeleton. Treatment involves surgery and radiation, with specialized approaches for skull base chordomas focusing on neurological preservation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Skeletal Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Chordoma is a rare, aggressive bone malignancy with a poor prognosis.
- It originates from notochordal remnants and typically affects the axial skeleton (sacrum, skull base, spine).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current standards in chordoma diagnosis, clinical management, and molecular characterization.
- To discuss ongoing research and treatment strategies for this rare cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on chordoma diagnosis and treatment.
- Analysis of current surgical and radiation therapy techniques.
- Examination of molecular characteristics and ongoing research.
Main Results:
- Standard treatment for mobile spine and sacrum chordomas: en-bloc excision with wide margins and radiation therapy.
- Clival chordoma treatment emphasizes maximal safe cytoreductive surgery and advanced radiation for neurological preservation.
Conclusions:
- Chordoma management requires tailored approaches based on tumor location.
- Continued research into molecular characteristics is crucial for advancing treatment strategies.
- Multidisciplinary care is essential for optimizing outcomes in chordoma patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...
01:23Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...
01:21Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
01:25Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Mitral regurgitation (MR) is characterized by retrograde blood circulation from the left ventricle into the left atrium due to inadequate mitral valve closure. The severity of the condition, symptoms, and underlying cause determine treatment strategies.Monitoring and Pharmacological TreatmentPatients with mild to moderate MR typically do not need immediate intervention but regular monitoring to assess progression and guide treatment. Patients with mild MR should have an echocardiogram every 3-5...
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
01:26Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...