Chordomas: Technologies, Techniques, and Treatment Strategies

Brigham Author: Ossama Al-Mefty, MD

A rare form of cancer, chordomas are among the most difficult tumors to treat, requiring highly specialized training and surgical expertise. Although generally slow-growing, chordomas present resection challenges due to their proximity to critical structures including the spinal cord, brainstem, nerves and arteries. Written by an impressive cadre of internationally renowned experts, this textbook is the most current, concise and definitive resource on diagnosis. The book starts with a historical overview of epidemiology, molecular pathogenesis, cytogenetics, local invasion and metastasis, and pathology. A thorough discussion covers diagnostic radiological and radionuclide imaging such as MRI, PET, SPECT, PET-CT, and PET-MRI, and clinical traits of skull base and spinal chordomas as defined by imaging modalities. Subsequent chapters explore decision making including selecting the most optimal techniques, surgical procedures, specialized topics and new horizons in chordoma treatment.