This primary tumor of bone usually occurs in the base of the skull and bones of the spine. It develops most often in adults older than 30 years, and is about twice as common in men than in women. Chordomas tend to grow slowly and often do not spread to other parts of the body, but they often come back in the same area if they are not removed completely. When they do spread, lymph nodes, the lungs, and the liver are the most common areas for secondary tumors.
Radiation therapy for brain tumors and tumors at the skull base are complex and must be treated delicately, yet aggressively for effectiveness. Proton therapy can deliver the high doses of radiation needed to treat the tumor, while protecting nearby normal brain structures to prevent new neurological deficits, hormonal deficiencies or intellectual impairment.
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