Chordoma of the cervical spine

Eight cases of chordoma limited to the cervical spine are presented. The radiological features are analyzed. Although there is no single diagnostic feature, the combination of osteosclerosis and lysis, multiple vertebral involvement, and the presence of a pre- or paracervical mass is strongly suggestive of a chordoma. Although none of our patients can be considered cured, we recommend an anterior cervical approach with radical removal of the tumor and interbody fusion followed by immobilization in a halo vest and postoperative radiation therapy. The biological behavior of the tumor is extremely variable, and multiple operations for symptomatic recurrences may be helpful.