Chordoma

Overview

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They’ll likely perform a physical exam and a neurological exam.

If they suspect a tumor, they’ll order an imaging test, such as an X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan or MRI scan.

Your provider will likely refer you to a bone cancer specialist for a second opinion and confirmation of the diagnosis. You may need additional imaging tests to better determine the location of the chordoma and see if it’s spread to other areas of your body.

The only way healthcare providers can definitively diagnose chordoma is with a biopsy — usually a needle biopsy. This involves taking a small sample of the tumor so a specialist can examine it under a microscope.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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