Abstract:ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of skull base chordoma.MethodsClinical data of 54 patients with skull base chordoma treated by surgery were analyzed retrospectively with presentation of typical cases.ResultsThe most common symptoms of the 54 patients were headache and visual impairment. Total tumor resection was achieved in 19 cases (35.2%) , subtotal resection in 28 (51.2%) and most part resection in 7 (13.0%). Clinical symptoms were relieved postoperatively in 41 patients, and postoperative radiotherapy was conducted in 35 patients without total tumor resection. Followup of 3 months to 4 years showed recurrence in 14 cases,8 cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage,6 cases of intracranial hematoma and reoperation was performed in 11.ConclusionsSurgical removal is the foremost treatment method for skull base chordoma. According to the location and characteristics as well as the degree of invasion of the tumor, the neuronavigation and neurophysiological monitoring techniques can be used to select proper surgical approach. The combined approach can raise the total resection rate if necessary. Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy may postpone tumor recurrence.
