Dedifferentiated chordoma: a report of four cases arising 'de novo'

J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2008 May;90(5):652-6. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.90B5.20365.

Abstract

Dedifferentiated chordoma is a rare and aggressive variant of the conventional tumour in which an area undergoes transformation to a high-grade lesion, typically fibrous histiocytoma, fibrosarcoma, and rarely, osteosarcoma or rhabdomyosarcoma. The dedifferentiated component dictates overall survival, with smaller areas of dedifferentiation carrying a more favourable prognosis. Although it is more commonly diagnosed in recurrences and following radiotherapy, there have been a few reports of spontaneous development. We describe four such cases, which were diagnosed de novo following primary excision, and discuss the associated clinical and radiological features.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bone Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Bone Neoplasms / therapy
  • Chordoma / pathology*
  • Chordoma / secondary
  • Chordoma / therapy
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged