[Chordoma of the base of the skull. Clinical and histological study. Therapeutic possibilities (author's transl)].

A Case of chordoma of the base of the skull is reported. It had been present with minimal symptoms for six years during which the clinical picture was limited to nasal obstruction and headache. Comparison of initial X-rays and the preoperative assessment revealed progressive destruction of the base of the skull which indicated the likelihood of considerable difficulties in excision. Surgical treatment posed the problem of the approach and emphasised the absence of encapsulation and the incomplete nature of the operation. The development of new symptoms (diplopia, dysphagia) resulted in complementary radiotherapy. The authors take the opportunity to point out the polymorphous clinical nature of these tumours in relation to their site and the criteria of the histological diagnosis. The possibilities of treatment are discussed. Abstention from treatment is formally rejected and, on the contrary, the emphasis is placed upon the need for early treatment. The consequences of excision should be limited by using a minimal surgical technique when possible. Complementary radiotherapy is necessary and may be repeated, up to certain limits, in the case of recurrence if the first irradiation is felt to be effective. There is no parallel between histological appearances and the response to treatment. The possibilities of chemotherapy would appear to be limited.