The doctor listed the symptoms of chordoma
Chordoma is a type of malignant tumor that occurs near the spine. Roman Ivanov, candidate of medical sciences, expert physician of the Hemotest laboratory, told Izvestia on January 31 how it manifests itself and by what symptoms it can be suspected.
According to him, as a rule, it is localized in the sacrum, but it can also occur at the base of the skull, in the occipital part. This is a rare form of cancer. Among malignant skeletal tumors, it occurs in 3-4% of cases.
The name of the disease came from the word "chorda". This organ is in a person only at the age of the embryo - it performs the function of the skeleton. In the process of development and growth of the embryo, the chord disappears and is replaced by the spine, but it happens that its cells remain in the body, and it is from them that the tumor develops years later. Scientists are conducting research to find out the reasons for such a phenomenon, but so far no definite results have been obtained, the expert said.
Chordoma can be diagnosed in both sexes, but it is more common in men. On average, it develops at the age of 40-60 years, but it can manifest itself earlier or later - it depends on its localization. Chordoma appearing in the sacral region is more often found in people 45 years and older. A tumor at the base of the skull, on the contrary, is more common in persons of young age (from 20 years), the doctor added.
"The most common form of chordoma is called classic chordoma: the tumor sprouts into the surrounding tissue and can metastasize. Among all cases of chordoma, the classical form accounts for more than 70%. Approximately three times less common is the chondroid form of chordoma, in which cartilage tissue is formed around the tumor. Such a tumor grows more slowly, it is less prone to metastasis. It's usually diagnosed in women. And the rarest and at the same time the most dangerous form of chordoma - differentiated. The tumor grows rapidly and more often gives metastases, which can manifest themselves in the lymph nodes and in the brain", - explained Ivanov.
Symptoms of this form of cancer usually include lethargy, decreased appetite and weight loss. The person tires very quickly, has a fever, feels depressed, and may develop depression. There are often complaints of pain at the site of the tumor.
"Specific symptoms depend on the place in which the neoplasm appeared. For example, a tumor near the sacrum is manifested by disorders in the work of the legs (their sensitivity decreases, weakness appears) and pelvic organs - urogenital system, intestines. And with a tumor at the base of the skull can appear difficulties with swallowing, interruptions in the rhythm of the heart. In addition, sometimes a person loses the rhythm of breathing, sees worse, coughs, may lose his voice," Ivanov said.
At the same time, if the tumor has grown into the bone tissue and metastasized to other organs, then there are added signs of malfunction of these organs: coughing with blood, bitter taste in the mouth, nausea.
Chordoma is considered a dangerous disease. In addition, it is difficult to treat, because the tumor does not respond well to standard methods for the treatment of cancer, such as radiation and chemotherapy - they are most often used before surgery to stop the growth of the tumor. According to the doctor, the best effect is given by surgery: the tumor is excised within healthy tissue. In some cases, radical removal of the affected bone may be required.
Earlier, on January 28, Magomed Sulimanov, oncologist, consultant of the Resymon platform, told Izvestia that prostate cancer is the most common cancer of the genitourinary system in men. The disease is most often diagnosed in patients aged 50 to 70. Among the main risk factors for tumor development are, among others, improper lifestyle, environmental influences, and genetic predisposition.
