Skull Base Chordoma
Finding out you have a skull base chordoma can feel overwhelming. While this condition requires comprehensive treatment, there have been significant advances in care over recent decades that have improved outcomes for many patients. RWJBarnabas Health’s expert oncology team will be with you every step of your journey, providing advanced treatments and comprehensive support to give you the best possible outcome.
Together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we provide access to the most advanced treatment options including clinical trials. We use sophisticated diagnostic and treatments to create precise, personalized care plans, complemented by comprehensive support services and specialized rehabilitation programs that address the full spectrum of our patients’ needs.
To contact one of New Jersey’s best brain and spine cancer specialists, call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.
What Is a Skull Base Chordoma?
A skull base chordoma is a rare type of bone cancer that forms at the base of the skull. These tumors grow from tiny pieces of tissue left over from when a person was developing before birth. While they tend to grow slowly, their location makes them challenging to treat because they are close to important nerves and blood vessels that control facial movement, vision and swallowing.
Think of the base of the skull as a complex highway system, with many important nerves and blood vessels passing through. A chordoma in this area needs special care because it can affect any of these crucial pathways. That's why having an experienced team who understands these complexities is so important for patient care.
Types of Skull Base Chordoma
There are three main types of skull base chordomas that we treat. Understanding specific types helps physicians create the most effective treatment plans.
- Conventional chordoma. This is the most common type we see. While it grows slowly, it needs careful monitoring and treatment to keep it under control. Many of our patients with this type respond well to a combination of treatments.
- Chondroid chordoma. This type looks a bit different under the microscope because it contains features of both chordoma and cartilage. It typically responds to treatment similarly to conventional chordomas.
- Dedifferentiated chordoma. This is the most aggressive type and needs more intensive treatment. We work quickly to start a treatment plan if a patient has this type, using the most advanced options available.
Skull Base Chordoma Symptoms
The location of the tumor determines what symptoms it causes. Symptoms include:
- Double vision or other vision problems
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the face
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Hearing difficulties
- Headaches that do not improve with pain medication
- Persistent pain in the neck or a constant pressure at the base of the skull.
- Face pain
- Balance issues
- Low energy, fatigue
- Hormone changes, which can affect various body functions
Skull Base Chordoma Diagnosis
Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing a treatment plan. Doctors will ask about the patient’s symptom history and how those symptoms are impacting daily life. They will then use advanced imaging including specialized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans to get detailed views of your tumor and surrounding structures. In some cases, a positron emission tomography (PET) scan or a carefully targeted biopsy will be taken to confirm the specific type of chordoma. This is particularly important because skull base chordomas can sometimes be mistaken for other types of tumors, such as chondrosarcomas, which require different treatment approaches.
Our comprehensive diagnostic approach, led by experienced neurologists and neurosurgeons, ensures we have the detailed information needed to develop the most effective treatment plan for each patient’s specific situation.
Skull Base Chordoma Treatment
The primary treatment for a skull base chordoma is surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. This is often an aggressive procedure that can lead to some side effects, but it offers the best chance for long-term survival.
Once the surgery is complete, an aggressive course of radiation therapy is used to destroy the surrounding tumor cells. Proton beam radiation is often used because it can focus on the needed area without exposing any critical organs and structures around it to radiation. Proton beam therapy offers the advantage of increasing the tumor dose while minimizing the dose to the adjacent normal tissue. Other forms of radiation are sometimes used as well.
Chemotherapy is typically not effective in treating a skull base chordoma. Currently, no drugs are approved for treating chordomas, but some have shown effectiveness in clinical trials.
Expert Skull Base Chordoma Care in New Jersey
Our specialists provide expert care for skull base chordomas, combining advanced surgical techniques with the latest treatment options. Our comprehensive team includes experienced surgeons, oncologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and dedicated nurse navigators who work together to create personalized treatment plans. We deliver sophisticated care in a compassionate environment, focusing on each patient’s unique needs throughout their treatment journey.
Don't wait to get the expert care you need. Our dedicated team is ready to help you start your treatment journey.
To contact one of New Jersey’s best brain and spine cancer specialists, call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.
