Dedifferentiated chordoma: A rare tumor with diagnostic challenge

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Date
2022-11
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Mansa STM Publishers
Abstract
Chordomas are rare locally invasive malignant bone tumors arising from remnants of embryonic notochord. Dedifferentiated chordoma (DC), a rare subtype, is characterized by the presence of a sarcomatous component in conventional chordoma (CC) which may arise de novo or as a malignant transformation of previously treated chordoma. The presence of dedifferentiation warrants a poor prognosis due to distant metastasis and recurrences. De novo DCs pose a diagnostic challenge especially in small biopsies and at metastatic sites. Here, we report the case of a 45-year-old female presenting with a long history of backache and constipation, finally diagnosed as DC. Radiological as well as histomorphological pictures of the tumor posed diagnostic challenges because they can mimic other tumors occurring in a similar location. We found this case worth reporting as de novo DC is rarely reported in the literature and it has the potential to pose diagnostic as well as therapeutic challenges.
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Keywords
Chordoma, De novo dedifferentiated chordoma, Dedifferentiated chordoma, Immunohistochemistry
Citation
Kalita Dipti, Rastogi Ruchi. Dedifferentiated chordoma: A rare tumor with diagnostic challenge. Indian Journal of Case Reports. 2022 Nov; 8(11): 366-368