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.

Table of Contents:
SECTION I: EMBRYOLOGY, PATHOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 1. Embryology of the Skull Base and Vertebral Column 2. Pathology of Chordoma and Chondrosarcoma of the Axial Skeleton 3. Molecular Drivers in Chordoma 4. Molecular Drivers in Chondrosarcoma SECTION II. DEMOGRAPHICS, PRESENTATION AND DIAGNOSIS 5. Demographics, Presentation, and Diagnosis 6. Differential Diagnosis of Clival and Spinal Tumors 7. Imaging Cranial Base Chordoma and Chondrosarcoma 8. Imaging Chordoma and Chondrosarcoma of the Vertebrae and Sacrum SECTION III: SURGERY OF SKULL BASE TUMORS 9. Surgical Anatomy of the Skull Base 10. Skull Base Tumors: Surgical Considerations 11. Midline Subfrontal Approaches: The Transbasal Approach and Extended Modifications to Access the Clivus 12. The Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA) to Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas 13. Transoral Approaches to Midline Skull Base Tumors 14. Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas of the Skull Base: Anterolateral Approaches 15. Lateral Approaches 16. Subtemporal Preauricular Approach to the Infratemporal Fossa 17. Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas of the Skull Base: Transpetrosal Approaches 18. Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas of the Skull Base: Retrosigmoid Approaches 19. The Extreme Lateral Approach for Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas of the Craniovertebral Junction 20. Staged Approaches for Large Skull Base Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas 21. Cerebral Revascularization for Skull Base Tumors 22. Skull base reconstruction following resection of skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas 23. Stabilization of the Craniocervical Junction Following Resection of Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas of the Skull Base SECTION IV:  SURGERY OF SPINAL AND SACRAL TUMORS 24. Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas of the Spine: Pre-operative Planning, Surgical Strategies and Complications Avoidance 25. Surgical Management of Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas of the Cervical Spine 26. Surgical Management of the Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas of the Thoracic Spine 27. Surgical Management of Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas of the Lumbar Spine 28. Anatomical Considerations for Resection of Chordomas and Chondrosarcoma of the Sacrum 29. Surgical management of sacral chordoma SECTION V:  RADIATION THERAPY OF CHORDOMAS AND CHONDROSARCOMAS 30. Fractionated Photon Radiation Therapy for Skull Base Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas 31. Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Skull Base Chordomas 32. Proton Therapy for Skull Base Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas 33. Photon Irradiation for Spinal Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas 34. Proton Therapy for Spinal Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas 35. Heavy Ion Radiation for Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas SECTION VI:  SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS 36. Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas in Children 37. Recurrent Skull Base Chordomas: Role of Surgery 38. Systemic Therapies for Locally Recurrent or Metastatic Disease 39. Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas of the Axial Skeleton: Emerging Therapies and Future Directions SECTION VII:  PATIENT DIRECTORY 40. Prognosis, Survival and Surveillance 41. The Chordoma Foundation 42. Sarcoma Patient Advocacy: Hope and Help