Chondroid Chordoma of the L5S2 Spinous Process Body: A Rare Case Report

Chordoma are slow growing, locally destructive tumors derived from remnants of notochord. They occur mostly along axial skeleton that is basiocciput and sacrococcygeal area. are biphasic malignant neoplasm possessing elements of both chordoma and cartilaginous tissue, an entity which has better prognosis than classical Chordoma. The tumor is likely to recur and hence diagnostically important for appropriate management. Histopathologically, tumor showed chords or nests of cells with partly vacuolated cytoplasm (physaliferous cells) embedded in a myxoid matrix and extensive cartilage formation with degenerative calcification was seen. Immunohistochemically, tumor was positive for Cytokeratin and EMA and negative for S-100 except for Cartilaginous areas which were S-100 positive. We report a case of Chondroid chordoma in a 50 year male presented with intermittent radiating pain in both leg and backache for 1 year. MRI lumbosacral showing the tumor in posterior elements if L S vertebra. Chondroid chordoma is a distinct entity to be 5 2 discriminated from typical type of Chordoma because of its better prognosis. MRI cannot differentiate between Chondroid chordoma and typical chordoma. Awareness of this rare tumor will avoid misdiagnosis and improve the prognosis. Awide surgical excision coupled with adjuvant radiation is the best treatment in the present case.