Signs and symptoms of coccygeal cancer
News Article: Understanding Tailbone Chordomas: A Rare but Potent Foe
Tailbone chordomas, a rare and often misdiagnosed type of cancer, can cause persistent pain in the coccyx area and potentially lead to nerve-related issues, bowel or bladder dysfunction, and other symptoms [1][2]. These tumors originate from remnants of the notochord, a structure present during fetal development, and typically grow in the spine and the sacrococcygeal area [4].
Despite their slow growth, chordomas can be challenging to treat due to their complex nature. Approximately 70% of cases can have the tumor completely removed without recurrence initially, but the risk of recurrence is around 30% [4]. The best outcome for a patient with a sacral chordoma is the complete removal of the tumor.
Treatment for chordomas usually involves surgical removal, which is the primary treatment option [4]. If complete surgical removal is not feasible, radiation therapy may be used. Additionally, pain management approaches, such as cushioning, oral or topical medications, and targeted injections, are employed to alleviate pain [5]. In severe cases, a coccygectomy (removal of the coccyx) may be necessary.
Research is ongoing, with foundations like the Chordoma Foundation supporting the development of new treatments [4]. However, chemotherapy does not tend to work well in the treatment of sacral chordoma, but it may be used for other cancers if they have spread into the tailbone or sacrum.
The outlook for someone with a sacral chordoma depends on how much of the tumor is surgically removed. Sacral chordomas rarely spread to other areas in the body and often grow back in the same place [4]. The symptoms of tailbone cancer include lower back pain, tenderness, tingling, weakness in the lower back and legs, issues with bladder and bowel function, and a palpable mass in the lower back [1].
It is essential to note that other types of cancer are more likely to spread to the bones, with breast, prostate, lung, thyroid, and kidney cancers accounting for most skeletal metastases [1]. For cancers of the tailbone, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
In summary, tailbone chordomas are rare cancers that can cause persistent local pain and nerve symptoms. Treatment mainly involves surgery with possible additional therapies, while survival depends on tumor behavior and completeness of removal. Supportive care for pain and neurological symptoms is essential [1][2][4][5]. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve survival and quality of life for those affected by this rare and challenging cancer.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Chordoma. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chordoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20354834
[2] American Cancer Society. (2021). Chordoma. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/chordoma.html
[3] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Chordoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/bone/hp/chordoma-treatment-pdq
[4] Chordoma Foundation. (2021). What is Chordoma? https://www.chordomafoundation.org/what-is-chordoma/
[5] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021). Coccydynia. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/coccydynia/detail_coccydynia_info.htm
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