Rare Forms Of Cancer To Be Aware Of

How To Treat Chordoma Tumors

Chordomas are a unique and complex tumor, making treating them difficult due to the involvement of critical structures within the body, including the brainstem, spinal cord, and important nerves and arteries. Chordoma tumors often reoccur after treatment, usually in the same location, which is called local recurrence. In about thirty to forty percent of patients, the tumor will eventually spread or metastasize, to other parts of the body, making this form of cancer incredibly dangerous to develop.

These specific forms of tumors do not respond well to chemotherapy, radiation, or medications in general and the best option for patients is surgery. Surgery is the primary way to remove the tumor. However, it is a difficult procedure due to the tumor growing on the spine and around vital nerves, meaning surgeons can often only remove parts of the chordoma tumor, but not all of it, hence why there is a chance of recurrence.