Understanding Malignant neoplasm of bones of skull and face: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Sign In

All Posts Conditions About

Explore Over 11,000+ Conditions, Medications, and Symptoms.

Get a personalized feed by signing up for free.

All Conditions

Malignant neoplasm of bones of skull and face

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Chordoma

General

Chordoma is a rare type of bone cancer that happens most often in the bones of the spine or the skull. It most often forms where the skull sits atop the spine (skull base) or at the bottom of the spine (sacrum). Chordoma begins in cells that once made up a collection of cells in the developing embryo that become the disks of the spine. Most of these cells go away after birth. But sometimes, a few of these cells remain, and rarely, they can become cancerous. Chordoma happens most often in adults between 40 and 60, though it can happen at any age. Chordoma usually grows slowly. It can be challenging to treat because it's often located very close to the spinal cord and other vital structures, such as arteries, nerves, or the brain.

1 people with Malignant neoplasm of bones of skull and face are on Alike.

"Alike is the place to get answers from people who firsthand share your health challenges"

Signs & symptoms

Chordomas can press on the spine, brain, and nerves as they grow, causing pain and nerve problems specific to the part of the brain or spinal cord where they are located. These symptoms can include tingling, numbness, weakness, lack of bladder or bowel control, sexual dysfunction, vision problems, endocrine problems, and swallowing difficulties.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of chordoma may include different tests and procedures: - Removing a sample of cells for laboratory testing - biopsy. - Obtaining more detailed imaging such as MRI or CT scan.

Treatment

Chordoma treatment depends on the size and location of the cancer and whether it has invaded nerves or other tissue. Options may include surgery, radiation therapy, radiosurgery, and targeted therapies.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

Alike Wisdom

Instantly get answers to medical questions with our AI, built from the collective wisdom of our community facing similar experiences

Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.

About Alike Wisdom Blog FAQ Editorial Team All Conditions All Posts All Communities Support

Your Privacy Stories Community Guidelines Terms of Use Privacy Policy Helplines Contact Us Group Chats Guidelines Moderation Process