Chordoma is a rare type of cancer that originates from the remnants of the notochord, a structure present during early development of the spine. It typically occurs in the bones of the skull base, spine, or sacrum. Due to its rarity, chordoma accounts for less than 1% of all primary bone tumors. The exact prevalence of chordoma is challenging to determine accurately, but it is estimated to affect approximately 1 in every 800,000 individuals worldwide. Although it can occur at any age, chordoma most commonly presents in adults between the ages of 40 and 70.
Chordoma poses significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Its slow-growing nature often leads to delayed diagnosis, and its location near critical structures makes complete surgical removal difficult. Additionally, chordoma has a high rate of recurrence, even after aggressive treatment. The rarity of this cancer also limits the availability of specialized treatment centers and research funding.
Efforts are being made to improve understanding and management of chordoma through collaborative research and clinical trials. These initiatives aim to develop more effective treatment strategies and ultimately improve outcomes for individuals affected by this rare cancer.
by Diseasemaps