Chordoma masquerading as a nerve root tumour — a clinical lesson

Authors: BRENNAN, P M; SUMMERS, D M; IRONSIDE, J; FITZPATRICK, M O

Source: British Journal of Radiology, Volume 82, Number 983, November 2009 , pp. e231-e234(4)

Publisher: British Institute of Radiology

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Abstract:

Chordomas usually arise in bone and are most commonly found in the midline axial skeleton. An accurate pre-operative diagnosis of chordoma is crucial, as survival is optimal when radical en bloc resection is performed at primary surgery. We report a rare case of cervical chordoma masquerading radiologically as an extracranial nerve sheath tumour. A laterally situated chordoma (centred extra-osseously in the neural foramen) was diagnosed radiologically as a neurofibroma pre-operatively. We review the key radiological features for diagnosis of chordoma. We consider the importance of pre-operative diagnosis of chordoma in guiding management and in determining survival.

Document Type: Case report

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1259/bjr/13776141

Publication date: 2009-11-01