Cervicothoracic chordoma presenting as progressive dyspnea and dysphagia

Chordoma of the mobile spine is a slow-growing, recurring neoplasm that appears to have low metastatic potential but incapacities and causes death almost exclusively by local aggressive behavior. Management of these lesions frequently requires a multidisciplinary team approach. Treatment results have traditionally been considered poor and must be interpreted from data offered by multiple relatively small series, not only representing a variety of tumor locations but also spanning several decades in the evolution of diagnostic and treatment modalities. The survival of patients with vertebral lesions is poor overall, with a median survival of 5 years or less and with very few reported long-term survivors. One advancement that may affect survival data is the ability of MRI to diagnose earlier and smaller lesions that can then be more effectively treated. Increased awareness and improved diagnostic capabilities may positively influence the treatment and control of this neoplasm.