Clival Chordoma
March 25, 2024
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A clival chordoma is a rare, slow-growing tumor that develops from remnants of the notochord along the clivus — a bone at the center of the skull base. Although these tumors are usually not aggressive in the way that some cancers are, their location near the brainstem, cranial nerves, and major blood vessels makes them serious and complex to treat.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the tumor’s size and location and may include headaches, double vision, difficulty swallowing, and other cranial nerve problems.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis relies on detailed MRI and CT imaging, usually confirmed with a biopsy.
Treatment
The mainstay of treatment is maximal safe surgical removal, frequently using endoscopic endonasal and other minimally invasive skull base approaches. Radiation therapy — often proton therapy — is commonly recommended after surgery to reduce the chance of recurrence. Long-term follow-up with an experienced skull base team is important.
To discuss a clival chordoma diagnosis, request an appointment.