Chordoma

Diagnosis

Your doctor will perform a comprehensive physical exam and order tests to determine the stage and severity of your condition. Tests may include those below.

Biopsy

Image-guided needle biopsy is necessary to confirm a chordoma diagnosis. In this procedure, the doctor performs a needle biopsy during imaging that helps guide the needle precisely into the tumor. During the biopsy, the doctor removes cells from the abnormal area for examination under a microscope by Mayo Clinic's experienced pathology staff.

Imaging studies

You may have imaging tests, such as an MRI or a computerized tomography (CT) scan, to help locate changes in your brain or spine and to determine whether the cancer has spread. In tests that involve radiation, specialists carefully monitor doses to avoid the risk of radiation overexposure.

Read more about MRI and CT scan.