The definitive guide on chordomas by an international Who's Who of experts A rare form of cancer, chordomas are among the most difficult tumors to treat, requiring highly specialized training and surgical expertise. Although generally slow-growing, chordomas present resection challenges due to their proximity to critical structures including the spinal cord, brainstem, nerves, and arteries. Written by an impressive cadre of internationally-renowned experts, this textbook is the most current, concise, and definitive resource on diagnosis and management of this complex pathology. Acclaimed surgeons from Brazil, Canada, Japan, Turkey, the USA, and the UK are contributors. The book starts with a historical overview, epidemiology, molecular pathogenesis, cytogenetics, local invasion and metastasis, and pathology. A thorough discussion covers diagnostic radiological and radionuclide imaging such as MRI, PET; SPECT, PET-CT, and PET-MRI, and clinical traits of skull base and spinal chordomas as defined by imaging modalities. Subsequent chapters explore decision making including selecting the most optimal techniques, surgical procedures, specialized topics, and new horizons in chordoma treatment. Key Highlights Anterior and anterolateral approaches to the clivus The use of endoscopy and intraoperative assistive technologies Midline subfrontal, middle fossa, extended petrosal, and transcondylar approaches Craniospinal fusion techniques following resection Surgery for spinal chordomas from the cervical to the sacral region Special topics such as radiation, proton beam therapy, Gamma-Knife radiosurgery, and pediatric chordomas and chondrosarcomas This is an essential text for neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, otolaryngologists, and radiation oncologists. Read and learn from innovators who have mastered the latest state-of-the-art treatment methodologies for chordomas.

This book serves as a practical guide for the use of carbon ions in cancer radiotherapy. On the basis of clinical experience with more than 7,000 patients with various types of tumors treated over a period of nearly 20 years at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences, step-by-step procedures and technological development of this modality are highlighted. The book is divided into two sections, the first covering the underlying principles of physics and biology, and the second section is a systematic review by tumor site, concentrating on the role of therapeutic techniques and the pitfalls in treatment planning. Readers will learn of the superior outcomes obtained with carbon-ion therapy for various types of tumors in terms of local control and toxicities. It is essential to understand that the carbon-ion beam is like a two-edged sword: unless it is used properly, it can increase the risk of severe injury to critical organs. In early series of dose-escalation studies, some patients experienced serious adverse effects such as skin ulcers, pneumonitis, intestinal ulcers, and bone necrosis, for which salvage surgery or hospitalization was required. To preclude such detrimental results, the adequacy of therapeutic techniques and dose fractionations was carefully examined in each case. In this way, significant improvements in treatment results have been achieved and major toxicities are no longer observed. With that knowledge, experts in relevant fields expand upon techniques for treatment delivery at each anatomical site, covering indications and optimal treatment planning. With its practical focus, this book will benefit radiation oncologists, medical physicists, medical dosimetrists, radiation therapists, and senior nurses whose work involves radiation therapy, as well as medical oncologists and others who are interested in radiation therapy.

Written by a world-class team of multidisciplinary experts, here is the first definitive reference on these two highly challenging tumors occurring in the skull base and spine. Covering everything from their embryology and pathology, clinical presentation and diagnosis, radiologic appearance, surgical treatment, radiation therapy, and prognosis, it is the most comprehensive book ever written on the topic. Special features: All available information on these tumors packed into a single volume High-quality illustrations that make anatomy and surgical approach crystal-clear Contributorst include: Albert Rhoton Jr., Harry Van Loveren, Laligam Sekhar, Robert Spetzler, and Chandranath Sen Includes alternative methods of treatment, ranging from surgery to radiation modalities, with recurrence and outcome assessment For all specialists who treat tumors of the skull base and spine, including neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists–head and neck surgeons, ophthalmologic surgeons, and orthopedic surgeons.

Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas of the Skull Base and Spine, Second Edition, is a major reference and guide for neurosurgeons, medical oncologists, neuroscientists, orthopedic surgeons, head and neck surgeons and radiation oncologists that treat patients and research chordomas and chondrosarcomas of the axial skeleton. This book is the unique result of the collaboration of multidisciplinary specialists from a wide variety of fields (neurological sciences, medical oncology, molecular biology, orthopedics and radiation oncology), offering the most relevant information about chordomas and chondrosarcomas of the axial skeleton from each of these fields condensed into one single volume. It contains new medical knowledge and scientific advances regarding the treatment of these types of tumors. Additionally, the book includes chapters written by the Chordoma Foundation and Sarcoma Foundation of America, providing the most valuable information and support for patients and their relatives. - Presents an up-to-date, comprehensive resource that details chordomas and chondrosarcomas from a multidisciplinary approach - Edited by the leading researchers in brain and skull base tumors - Includes chapters written by the Chordoma Foundation and Sarcoma Foundation of America

Detection and characterization of bone tumors with imaging remains a big challenge for every radiologist notwithstanding the impressive progress achieved by the introduction of several new imaging modalities. Moreover, new concepts in surgical and oncological treatment of these lesions require from the radiologist appropriate and focused answers to the specifc questions asked by the referring physicians in order to choose the best therapeutic approach for the in- vidual patient. Tis comprehensive textbook describes in detail the possibilities and limits of all moda- ties, including MRI, CT, nuclear medicine and interventional radiological procedures, employed for the modern imaging of tumoral and tumor-like lesions of bone. Teir role in the diagnosis, surgical staging, biopsy and assessment of response to therapy is discussed in detail, covering all tumor subtypes as well as their specifc anatomical location.Well selected and technically imp- cable illustrations strongly enhance the didactic value of this work. I am very much indebted and grateful to the three editors: A. Mark Davies, Murali Sundaram and Steven L. J. James, world authorities in musculoskeletal radiology, for their superb scientifc achievement in preparing and editing this wonderful volume as well as for their individual ch- ters. I would also like to thank the large international group of collaborating authors, who are also widely acknowledged for their specifc expertise in the area of bone tumors, for their outstanding contributions.

Covering the many relatively uncommon pain conditions that are often misdiagnosed, this one-of-a-kind visual resource clearly presents the extensive knowledge and experience of world-renowned pain expert Steven D. Waldman, MD, JD. Atlas of Uncommon Pain Syndromes, 4th Edition, first and foremost helps you make a correct diagnosis – a critical step in managing patients in chronic pain. Hundreds of high-quality illustrations, as well as x-rays, ultrasound, CTs, and MRIs, help you confirm your diagnoses with confidence. - Offers head-to-toe coverage – 135 conditions in all – providing concise, easy-to-read chapters for each condition. Dr. Waldman's practical guidance is designed to help you make the correct diagnosis of uncommon pain syndromes, even the signs and symptoms don't quite fit. - Explains each pain syndrome using a consistent, easy-to-follow format: an ICD-10 CM code for billing purposes, followed by a brief description of the signs and symptoms, laboratory and radiographic testing, differential diagnosis, available treatment options, and clinical pearls. - Features updated chapters throughout, as well as 12 new chapters covering Hemicrania Continua, Acute Calcific Prevertebral Tendinitis, Sternohyoid Syndrome Snapping Scapula Syndrome, Erythromelagia, Foix-Alajouanine Syndrome, Lumbar Paraspinous Muscle Compartment Syndrome, Clunealgia, Nutcracker Syndrome, Paroxysmal Extreme Pain Disorder, Iliopsoas Tendon Rupture, and Snapping Pes Anserinus Syndrome - Provides practitioners and trainees in pain medicine, anesthesiology, neurology, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, primary care, and more with a firm foundation in the diagnosis of uncommon pain in daily practice.

Fully updated new edition covering all aspects of bone and joint diseases in one easily readable volume. Color illustrations throughout.