Abstract Chordomas and chondrosarcomas are rare primary malignant spine tumors. In spite of recent advancements in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy, surgery remains the gold standard for treatment of…
Abstract Resection of skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas can create large dural defects that involve multiple cisterns or the third ventricle leading to high-flow cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Reconstruction of the…
Abstract Chordomas and chondrosarcomas of the spine share several key features that make them distinct from other malignant primary bone tumors. They manifest more indolent behavior characterized by slow but…
Abstract The craniovertebral junction is a complex region that includes the lower clivus, foramen magnum, C1, and C2. Chordomas and chondrosarcomas are slowly growing tumors that arise from notochord rests…
Abstract Chondrosarcomas and chordomas are the most common malignant primary bone tumors involving the spine. Surgery is usually the initial treatment of these tumors. In the past two decades, surgery…
Abstract Skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas are often approached anteriorly but with tumor extension posterolateral to the intrapetrous carotid artery, or intradural posterior fossa extension, lateral approaches afford improved access…
Abstract The surgical treatment of clivus chordomas and chondrosarcomas presents a challenge to neurosurgeons and ENT-surgeons. These tumors are rare and the complex anatomy of the clivus region and their…
Abstract This image-rich chapter discusses the role that imaging plays in diagnosing primary chordoma and chondrosarcoma of the skull base. It describes the optimal cross-sectional imaging sequences to use, reviews…
Abstract Select chordomas and chondrosarcomas have extensions to the posterior cavernous sinus and to the petrous apex. These lesions may be best approached by an anterior transpetrosal approach, either alone…
Abstract Transoral approaches have a significant advantage in providing the most direct route to ventral skull base pathology. Extended transoral approaches such as palatotomy, mandibular split, and mandibuloglossotomy can be…
