Chordoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Evidence for transformation

Cancer. 1986 Sep 1;58(5):1082-7. doi: 10.1002/1097-0142(19860901)58:5<1082::aid-cncr2820580517>3.0.co;2-u.

Abstract

Serial biopsy specimens of a histologically proven cervical chordoma in a 57-year-old woman taken at intervals over a 7-year period, demonstrate a progression and complete transformation to a malignant fibrous histiocytoma 5 years following radiation therapy. Intermediate spindle-shaped cells demonstrating keratin positivity were discovered, lending credence to the theory of cellular transformation. Additionally, a fine reticulin network was noted around the chordoma cells. A review of the literature is undertaken chronicling the documented associations of chordoma and sarcoma, followed by a discussion of the various causes proposed to explain this phenomenon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Chordoma / pathology*
  • Chordoma / radiotherapy
  • Chordoma / surgery
  • Female
  • Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Laminectomy
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery
  • Reoperation
  • Spinal Fusion
  • Spinal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Spinal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Staining and Labeling
  • Time Factors