H. Kfoury et al., Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of metastatic chordoma: Case report and review of the literature, DIAGN CYTOP, 22(2), 2000, pp. 104-106
Chordoma is a distinct malignant neoplasm arising from the remnants of the
notochord and occurring mostly in the fifth or sixth decade of life, and oc
cupying most frequently the sacral area (Bibbo, Comprehensive Cytopathology
1997; p 534). Metastases of the neoplasm may occur in 10-40% of cases (Jen
kins et al., Clin. Radiol. 1995; 50:416-417). Because of its rarity, the di
agnosis of chordoma may be difficult to render, especially on fine-needle a
spiration biopsy (FNAB). However, a clear-cut distinction of chordoma from
other neoplasms is of utmost importance, since the prognosis and treatment
of the patient will depend on the final diagnosis. This distinction in the
case of metastases can be made easily, where correlation of previous histol
ogy has been done and/or ancillary studies have been performed. (C) 2000 Wi
ley-Liss, Inc.