Chordoma is a rare and complex type of bone cancer that primarily affects the skull base and spine. It grows slowly but is locally aggressive and requires a highly specialized treatment approach. India has become a preferred destination for effective and affordable chordoma treatment, with leading oncologists like Dr. Anukr Bahl offering globally recognized care. The cost of chordoma treatment in India ranges from USD 7,500 to 10,000, making it one of the most economical yet high-quality options worldwide.
What Is Chordoma ?
Chordoma is a malignant tumor that arises from remnants of the notochord, a structure present in embryonic development. It typically appears in the axial skeleton—specifically the skull base, cervical spine, lumbar spine, or sacrum. Though it grows slowly, it often invades nearby structures including nerves and vital organs, making early diagnosis critical for improving outcomes.
What are the types of Chordoma?
The types of Chordoma are:
- Conventional Chordoma: Most common type with slow growth.
- Chondroid Chordoma: Contains cartilage-like tissue and has a better prognosis.
- Dedifferentiated Chordoma: More aggressive and likely to metastasize early.
What are the diagnosis Methods of Chordoma?
The diagnosis Methods of Chordoma includes:
- MRI Scan: Preferred imaging method to assess soft tissue involvement and extent of the tumor.
- CT Scan: Provides detailed imaging of bone destruction.
- Biopsy: Essential for pathological confirmation.
- Immunohistochemistry: Detects proteins like brachyury and cytokeratin to confirm diagnosis.
- PET Scan: May be used to detect metastasis.
What are the Common Symptoms of Chordoma Tumors?
Symptoms depend on the tumor’s size and location, often appearing gradually:
- Skull Base Chordoma: Headaches, double vision, facial numbness, swallowing difficulty
- Cervical Spine Chordoma: Neck stiffness, arm pain, neurological weakness
- Thoracic or Lumbar Spine Chordoma: Back pain, tingling in legs, gait disturbances
- Sacral Chordoma: Bowel/bladder incontinence, sciatica-like symptoms, pelvic pain
Early recognition of these symptoms can aid in early detection and better prognosis.
How Is Chordoma treated in India by Dr. Anukur Bahl?
Dr. Ankur Bahl follows a multimodal approach combining surgery, advanced radiation therapies, and systemic treatments. His team works closely with neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and physiotherapists to create an individualized treatment plan that ensures both disease control and preservation of neurological function.
What Surgical and Non-Surgical Options Are Available for Chordoma?
1. Surgical Treatment
Surgery is the first-line treatment in most cases:
- En-bloc Resection: Removes the tumor in one piece to minimize recurrence.
- Skull Base Surgery: Utilizes minimally invasive or endoscopic techniques.
- Spinal Resection: May involve vertebral column reconstruction.
2. Radiation Therapy
Chordomas are relatively radioresistant, requiring high doses of radiation:
- Proton Beam Therapy: Offers superior dose conformity and reduced damage to healthy tissue.
- IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy): Used when proton therapy isn’t accessible.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): For small or residual tumors.
3. Targeted Therapy
- Effective in cases with specific mutations (PDGFR, EGFR).
- Drugs: Imatinib, Erlotinib, Sorafenib.
4. Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy
Although less effective, they may be considered in dedifferentiated or metastatic chordoma:
- Chemotherapy: Doxorubicin, cisplatin combinations.
- Immunotherapy: Clinical trials using checkpoint inhibitors are ongoing.
5. Palliative Therapy
- For unresectable cases to improve quality of life.
- Pain relief, steroids, physical therapy, and psychosocial counseling are included.
What Is the Cost of Chordoma Treatment in India?
Treatment Component
|
Cost in India (USD)
|
Initial Diagnostics (MRI, Biopsy)
|
$700 – $1,500
|
Tumor Resection Surgery
|
$5,000 – $8,000
|
Radiation Therapy (IMRT/VMAT)
|
$2,500 – $4,000
|
Proton Therapy (if needed)
|
$10,000+ (special centers)
|
Targeted Therapy (Monthly)
|
$1,000 – $3,000
|
Total estimated cost: $7,500 – $10,000, depending on the treatment protocol and hospital.
How Does the Cost of Chordoma Surgery in India Compare to the USA and Other Countries?
Country
|
Cost (USD)
|
India
|
$7,500 – $10,000
|
Thailand
|
$25,000 – $40,000
|
USA
|
$80,000 – $150,000
|
India provides world-class treatment at a significantly reduced price without compromising on care quality.
Why Choose Dr. Anurag Bahl for Chordoma Cancer Treatment in India?
- Over 20 years of oncology experience
- Expert in skull base and spinal tumors
- Access to India’s best neurosurgical and radiation technology
- Offers both curative and palliative care strategies
- Transparent pricing and empathetic patient communication
- High patient satisfaction from Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia
What Are the Success Rates and Recovery Times for Chordoma Patients?
- Surgical Success: Up to 99% in early-stage, localized cases
- Radiation Response: Long-term control possible with high-dose precision therapy
Recovery Time:
- Hospital Stay: 3–5 days
- Total Recovery: 6 weeks to 3 months
Long-Term Monitoring: Lifelong follow-up with periodic MRI scans
How Can International Patients Plan Their Chordoma Treatment in India?
We and our partner hospitals provide complete support:
- Free case review before arrival
- Visa documentation and embassy letters
- Airport pickup and drop
- Language interpreters for Arabic, Swahili, French, etc.
- Affordable accommodation nearby hospitals
- On-ground coordinator throughout stay
- Post-discharge follow-up via video consultations
What is the Treatment Protocol Followed for Chordoma in India?
Diagnostic Phase:
- Contrast MRI, PET-CT, Histopathology, Molecular Testing
- Pulmonary, renal, and cardiac evaluation for surgical fitness
Stage-Wise Treatment:
Early-Stage (Localized):
- Surgery (En-bloc) + Adjuvant Radiation (IMRT/Proton)
- Post-op MRI every 3 months
Advanced or Inoperable:
- Definitive radiation (Proton/VMAT)
- Targeted Therapy + Supportive Care
Recurrent/Metastatic:
- Palliative Radiotherapy + Systemic Therapy
- Supportive and pain care
Long-Term Management:
Timeframe
|
Follow-up Tests
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Every 3 months
|
MRI brain/spine, clinical exam
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Annually
|
Hormonal profile, functional assessment
|