An experience in treatment of neurologically silent clival chordoma mimicking a nasopharyngeal tumor

Ear Nose Throat J. 2024 Apr;103(4):NP199-NP202. doi: 10.1177/01455613211048982. Epub 2021 Oct 1.

Abstract

Cranial chordoma is a rare neoplasm that is challenging to both diagnose and manage. We present our experience in treating a case of clival chordoma mimicking a nasopharyngeal mass without any signs of cranial deficits or intracranial insult. Management was comprised of endoscopic transnasal debulking surgery followed by radiotherapy. However, we failed to achieve an oncologic outcome due to the development of lethal central nervous system and respiratory infections 1 month after the surgery.

Keywords: chordoma; clivus; nasopharynx tumor; skull base surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Chordoma* / diagnosis
  • Chordoma* / pathology
  • Chordoma* / surgery
  • Cranial Fossa, Posterior / pathology
  • Endoscopy
  • Humans
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Skull Base Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Skull Base Neoplasms* / therapy