Multifocal thoracic chordoma mimicking a paraganglioma

J Cancer Res Ther. 2013 Jul-Sep;9(3):497-9. doi: 10.4103/0973-1482.119312.

Abstract

Chordoma of thoracic vertebras is a very rare locally invasive neoplasm with low grade malignancy arising from embryonic notochordal remnants. Radical surgery remains the cornerstone of the treatment. We describe a case of multifocal T1-T2 chordoma, without bone and disc involvement, incidentally misdiagnosed as a paraganglioma, occurring in a 47-year-old male asymptomatic patient. Neoplasm was radically removed by an endocrine surgeon through a right extended cervicotomy. A preoperative reliable diagnosis of chordoma, as in the reported case, is often difficult. Radical surgery can provide a favorable outcome but, given the high rates of local recurrence of this neoplasm, a strict and careful follow-up is recommended. Although very rare, chordoma should be suggested in the differential diagnosis of the paravertebral cervical masses of unknown origin. Spine surgeon consultation and a FNB should be routinely included in the multidisciplinary preoperative work-up of these neoplasms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  • Chordoma / diagnosis*
  • Chordoma / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Paraganglioma / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / pathology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome