Chordomas

The definitive guide on chordomas by an international Who’s Who of experts

A rare form of cancer, chordomas are among the most difficult tumors to treat, requiring highly specialized training and surgical expertise. Although generally slow-growing, chordomas present resection challenges due to their proximity to critical structures including the spinal cord, brainstem, nerves, and arteries. Written by an impressive cadre of internationally-renowned experts, this textbook is the most current, concise, and definitive resource on diagnosis and management of this complex pathology.

Acclaimed surgeons from Brazil, Canada, Japan, Turkey, the USA, and the UK are contributors. The book starts with a historical overview, epidemiology, molecular pathogenesis, cytogenetics, local invasion and metastasis, and pathology. A thorough discussion covers diagnostic radiological and radionuclide imaging such as MRI, PET; SPECT, PET-CT, and PET-MRI, and clinical traits of skull base and spinal chordomas as defined by imaging modalities. Subsequent chapters explore decision making including selecting the most optimal techniques, surgical procedures, specialized topics, and new horizons in chordoma treatment.

Key Highlights

• Anterior and anterolateral approaches to the clivus
• The use of endoscopy and intraoperative assistive technologies
• Midline subfrontal, middle fossa, extended petrosal, and transcondylar approaches
• Craniospinal fusion techniques following resection
• Surgery for spinal chordomas from the cervical to the sacral region
• Special topics such as radiation, proton beam therapy, Gamma-Knife radiosurgery, and pediatric chordomas and chondrosarcomas

This is an essential text for neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, otolaryngologists, and radiation oncologists. Read and learn from innovators who have mastered the latest state-of-the-art treatment methodologies for chordomas.

Part I Definition, History, Demographics, Pathology, and Pathogenesis
1 Historical Aspects
2 The Descriptive Epidemiology of Chordomas
3 Evolutionary Origin of the Notochord
4 Molecular Biology of Chordomas
5 Cytogenetics of Chordomas
6 Local Invasion and Metastasis
7 Pathology
8 Experimental Models of Chordomas
Part II Diagnosis of Chordomas
9 Radiologic Findings and Differential Diagnosis of Chordomas at the Skull Base
10 Radiologic Findings and Differential Diagnosis of Chordomas in the Spine
11 Molecular Imaging of Chordomas
Part III Surgical Treatment of Chordomas
12 Surgical Decision Making in Chordomas
13 Choice of the Optimal Surgical Approach for Skull Base Chordomas
14 Anterior Approaches to the Clivus
15 Endoscopic Approaches for Skull Base Chordomas
16 Frontobasal Approaches for Skull Base Chordomas
17 Cranio-Orbital-Zygomatic Approach for Chordomas
18 Epidural Middle Fossa Approaches
19 The Extended Petrosal Middle Fossa Approach
20 The Transcondylar Approach to the Clivus
21 Craniovertebral Reconstruction after Chordoma Resection
22 Surgery for Spinal Chordomas
23 Intraoperative Assistive Technologies for Chordoma Surgery
Part IV Special Topics in Chordomas
24 Chordomas: A Personal Perspective
25 Radiation Treatment for Chordomas
26 Charged Particle Beams in Management of Clival Chordomas
27 Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Chordomas
28 Recurrence in Skull Base Chordomas and its Management
29 Outcome and Quality of Life of Patients with Chordomas
30 Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas in the Pediatric Population
31 Future Prospects in the Treatment of Skull Base Chordomas