Pathology · Skeletal System · Hard
Chordoma
Meaning: Slow-growing, locally aggressive malignant tumour arising from remnants of the embryonic axial rod.
In practice: Typically found in the sacrum or clivus, and unusually able to cross the disc space to involve adjacent vertebrae.
Word parts
- -oma means a lump, mass or tumour
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related pathology words.
Which word means: Chronic, non-inflammatory degeneration of the cord joining muscle to bone, with disorganised collagen and new vessels.
Answer: Tendinosis
Which word means: Abnormal development or growth of cells or tissues.
Answer: Dysplasia
Words like chordoma come up in the daily game
One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.