[15] Incomplete resection of the primary tumor makes controlling the disease more difficult and increases the odds of recurrence.

The decision whether complete or incomplete surgery should be performed primarily depends on the anatomical location of the tumor and its proximity to vital parts of the central nervous system.

The proximity of chordomas to vital neurological structures such as the brain stem and nerves limits the dose of radiation that can safely be delivered.

[citation needed] In the United States, the annual incidence of chordoma is approximately 1 in one million (300 new patients each year).

As noted above germline duplication of brachyury has been identified as a major susceptibility mechanism in several chordoma families.

[citation needed] Pro skateboarder Ray Underhill, a member of the Powell-Peralta Bones Brigade, battled chordoma for two years before succumbing to his disease in August 2008.

[26] Cary Tennis, the popular advice columnist for Salon, announced in his column of November 19, 2009, that he had been diagnosed with a chordoma.

[citation needed] Former Spanish footballer José Enrique was diagnosed with chordoma in May 2018 and underwent surgery to remove the tumour in June of that year.