Diagnosis of benign notochordal cell tumor of the spine: is a biopsy necessary?

Tateda, Satoshi; Hashimoto, Kazuhito; Aizawa, Tadanori; Kanno, Haruo; Hitachi, Shin; Itoi, Eiji; Ozawa, Hiroshi

doi:10.1002/ccr3.1287

Cited by 15 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…They typically show hypointense T1weighted (T1W) and hyperintense T2-weighted (T2W) and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) signal intensity (SI) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They usually show corresponding mild sclerosis on radiographs and computed tomography (CT) with preserved trabecular pattern [5][6][7]. Unlike their malignant counterpart chordoma, BNCTs do not enhance and are not associated with osteolysis, vertebral collapse or soft tissue extension [6].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chronic low back pain

et al. 2019

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chronic low back pain

et al. 2019

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“…Interpretation suggested possible post-traumatic changes in the S1 vertebral body; however, since the patient had no history of trauma, this diagnosis was ruled out. BNCTs was 0.76% [3]. Although BNCTs are generally considered benign, their histological characteristics can mimic more aggressive neoplasms, such as chordomas or chondrosarcomas, posing challenges in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning [4].…”

Section: Case Reportmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Recently, due to the increased availability of MRI examinations, an increasing number of BNCT lesions have been discovered. Golden et al conducted a study of 916 patients, using CT and MRI to examine the posterior clivus, and documented that the imaging prevalence of BNCTs was 0.76% [3]. Although BNCTs are generally considered benign, their histological characteristics can mimic more aggressive neoplasms, such as chordomas or chondrosarcomas, posing challenges in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Benign Notochordal Cell Tumours: Case Report and Literature Review

Grabovska,

Strumfa,

Ositis

et al. 2024

Diagnostics

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Background: Benign notochordal cell tumours (BNCTs) represent a rare entity within the spectrum of bone neoplasms, which typically arise in the axial skeleton. Although these tumours are often benign, their diagnosis and management pose significant challenges due to their histological similarity to more aggressive lesions, such as chordomas. Understanding of the clinical behaviour, diagnostic nuances, and optimal management strategies for BNCTs continues to evolve. Case Report: Benign notochordal cell tumours of the vertebra are usually asymptomatic and identified on imaging and should be distinguished from chordomas, which has a more aggressive clinical course. This report describes a 15-year-old girl with lumbosacral pain and a diagnosis of a benign notochordal cell tumour, which affects a large part of the S1 vertebra in the lumbar spine, highlighting the diagnostic challenges encountered, the role of radiological and histological investigations, and the ultimate determination of the benign nature of the tumour. Conclusions: This report highlights the approach taken for the diagnosis of a benign notochordal cell tumour of the vertebra and the importance of excluding differential diagnoses. By exploring the intricacies of this case, we contribute to the growing body of literature surrounding BNCTs, with the aim of improving clinical awareness and management strategies for this uncommon bone tumour.

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“…While the lesions arise from the same entity that gives rise to chordoma, these lesions are histologically distinct from each other. The lesions are fairly common and identified in up to 20% of autopsies according to one study [ 51 ]. Due to their embryonic origin, they usually occur in the vertebral bodies in the midline, usually adjacent to the endplate.…”

Section: Types Of Lesionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Primary Benign Neoplasms of the Spine

et al. 2023

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Benign tumours comprise the majority of primary vertebral tumours, and these are often found incidentally on imaging. Nonetheless, accurate diagnosis of these benign lesions is crucial, in order to avoid misdiagnosis as more ominous malignant lesions or infection. Furthermore, some of these tumours, despite their benign nature, can have localised effects on the spine including neural compromise, or can be locally aggressive, thus necessitating active management. Haemangiomas and osteomas (enostosis) are the commonest benign tumours encountered. Others include osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma, fibrous dysplasia, osteochondroma, chondroblastoma, haemangioma, simple bone cysts, aneurysmal bone cysts, giant cell tumours, eosinophilic granuloma and notochordal rests. The majority of lesions are asymptomatic; however, locally aggressive lesions (such as aneurysmal bone cysts or giant cell tumours) can present with nonspecific symptoms, such as back pain, neurological deficits and spinal instability, which may be indistinguishable from more commonly encountered mechanical back pain or malignant lesions including metastases. Hence, imaging, including radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), plays a critical role in diagnosis. Generally, most incidental or asymptomatic regions are conservatively managed or may not require any follow-up, while symptomatic or locally aggressive lesions warrant active interventions, which include surgical resection or percutaneous treatment techniques. Due to advances in interventional radiology techniques in recent years, percutaneous minimally invasive techniques such as radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy and cryoablation have played an increasing role in the management of these tumours with favourable outcomes. The different types of primary benign vertebral tumours will be discussed in this article with an emphasis on pertinent imaging features.

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Diagnosis of benign notochordal cell tumor of the spine: is a biopsy necessary?

Cited by 15 publications

References 17 publications

Chronic low back pain

Chronic low back pain

Benign Notochordal Cell Tumours: Case Report and Literature Review

Primary Benign Neoplasms of the Spine

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