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Chordoma of the Head and Neck: A Review
Jason K Wasserman1, Denis Gravel1, Bibianna Purgina2
1Division of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, 501 Smyth Road, 4th Floor CCW, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.
Abstract:
Chordoma is a rare malignant bone tumor that can arise anywhere along the central neural axis and many involve head and neck sites, most commonly the skull base. The relative rarity of these tumors, combined with the complex anatomy of the head and neck, pose diagnostic challenges to pathologists. This article describes the pertinent clinical, pathologic, and molecular features of chordomas and describes how these features can be used to aid in formulating a differential diagnosis. Emphasis is placed on key diagnostic pitfalls and the importance of incorporating immunohistochemical information into the diagnosis.
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