New York Spine Institute is committed to providing our chordoma patients with the highest level of care and personalized treatment. Our offices span throughout the Greater New York City area and are staffed with board-certified health care professionals to help you get your health back on track.
NEW YORK CITY & LONG ISLAND’S TOP DOCTORS FOR CHORDOMA
Chordoma is a rare cancerous tumor that grows along the bones of the skull base and spine. A chordoma is formed from small remnants of embryonic cells that eventually develops into the disks of the spinal column.
New York Spine Institute is the proud home of board-certified physicians qualified to treat all spine-related conditions. We strive to provide every patient with the highest level of excellence, which includes a diagnosis they can understand and a personalized treatment plan.
Why Choose NYSI
Quality Care
We understand our clients are unique, along with their condition. This is why we custom design each treatment plan on a case-by-case basis. Our patients will receive quality care, whether they require simple physical therapy with a back specialist or a complex operation with a spine surgeon.
Industry Leaders
With decades of Alexandre B. de Moura, M.D., FAAOS is New York Spine Institute’s medical director, leading a team of respected and experienced spine specialists. the professional staff at NYSI is head by Alexandre B. de Moura, M.D., FAAOS. The spine doctors at NYSI are industry leaders in various disorders and offer individualized treatment plans.
Multiple Languages
At the NYSI we New York Spine Institute realizes the only way to truly provide personalized care is by making our services accessible to everyone. Our patients have the option to receive care in Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German, and Russian. accommodating to our patients of different backgrounds.
The Founder of NYSI Alexandre B. de Moura, MD, FAAOS
Patients know him for his empathy and confidence. Physicians refer to him for his judgment and results. Dr. de Moura has built his reputation on trust, precision, and outcomes that truly change lives.
Early Inspiration
Dr. de Moura's path began with his father—a pioneering orthopedic surgeon whose legacy deeply shaped his passion for spinal care. From a young age, he witnessed how expert hands and compassionate care could transform lives, setting the foundation for a lifelong mission.
World-Class Training
Dr. de Moura received elite surgical training at some of the nation's top institutions, gaining the technical skill and clinical insight needed to treat the most complex spinal conditions. His background combines academic excellence with hands-on expertise.
Founding NYSI
In 2000, Dr. de Moura founded New York Spine Institute to bring comprehensive, multi-specialty care under one roof. His vision was clear: make world-class spine care accessible, coordinated, and deeply patient-focused.
20+ Years of Experience
With over two decades of specialized practice, Dr. de Moura has performed thousands of procedures and guided countless patients through recovery. His deep experience allows him to deliver not just treatment—but true transformation.
Specialist in Complex Spine Conditions
From scoliosis to spinal deformities and degenerative disorders, Dr. de Moura is known for handling the cases others refer out. He's not just a surgeon—he's a problem solver, often sought out when options feel limited.
Chordoma is part of a larger group of malignant bone and soft tissue tumors known as sarcomas. While rare, they are the most common tumor of the sacrum (skull base) and spine. Additionally, a chordoma is typically a slow growing tumor, often without initial symptoms.
Chordomas are complicated to treat, due to the tumor’s position near the spinal cord, brainstem, and other critical nerves and arteries. The tumors are also known to recur after successful treatment, typically in the same place as the first tumor. Chordoma most commonly affects individuals aged 50-70, and is 2x more likely to affect men than women. Still, this type of tumor is diagnosed in just one million people per year. It is important to note that there are four subtypes of chordoma, each defined by how they appear under a microscope.
These subtypes are:
Conventional (classic) chordoma. This is the most common form of chordoma.
Poorly differentiated chordoma. This recently identified subtype can be more aggressive and grow faster than conventional chordoma, and is more common in pediatric and adolescent patients; it is also more common in skull base and cervical patients.
Dedifferentiated chordoma. This subtype is more aggressive and grows faster than all other types of chordoma, and is more likely to metastasize.
Chondroid chordoma. This subtype was more commonly referred to in the past, when conventional chordoma was difficult to distinguish from chondrosarcoma.
Diagnosing Your Chordoma
There are no known risk factors for chordoma, which is why it is important to be tested if you suspect something is wrong. Though most chordomas occur randomly and are not a result if an inherited genetic trait, there are genetic factors associated with chordoma. As an example over 95% of chordoma patients share a single-letter variation in the DNA sequence of the gene “brachyury,” though this variation alone does not itself cause chordoma.
A chordoma is diagnosed through a set of tests and procedures. A sample of cells, known as a biopsy, is removed and sent to the laboratory for testing. These cells will be examined by pathologists to determine whether cancer cells are present. In some cases, detailed images may be requested by your doctor. These imaging tests, which can be done right here at New York Spine Institute, will help visualize your chordoma and will be able to determine whether the cancerous cells have spread beyond the spine or skull base.
What Our Patients Have To Say Real Patient Testimonials
Dr. Roberts is the BEST and that’s my personal opinion. He is very hands on, compassion and understanding. I highly recommend his services.
—Anna Thomas
I worked with Dr. Macagnau and he was amazing! Extremely friendly and funny to match his knowledge and guidance with my injury. The rest of the staff was no different, I would high...
I worked with Dr. Macagnau and he was amazing! Extremely friendly and funny to match his knowledge and guidance with my injury. The rest of the staff was no different, I would highly recommend them to anyone with back issues.
—Juan Rolon
Dr. Passias is a very knowledgeable modern spine surgeon. not only is he the brightest in his field, he’s the future for this kind of surgery Made me feel comfortable that I ch...
Dr. Passias is a very knowledgeable modern spine surgeon. not only is he the brightest in his field, he’s the future for this kind of surgery Made me feel comfortable that I choose the right doctor. I Went to see Dr. Passias with 5 herniated discs, pain in neck, shoulder, arm and tangles fingers. Dr. Passias gave me the time to explain and tell him all what I feel about my pain and he was lesson to all off it he makes me feel friendly He is the doctor I can trust He take the pain away from me GOD BLESS Him
—Mohamed Haridy
“If I can help one person and say you’ll make it through this, go to them, they will help you. I would help you to let you see what it is like on the other side of the fence when s...
“If I can help one person and say you’ll make it through this, go to them, they will help you. I would help you to let you see what it is like on the other side of the fence when someone goes through so much injury and trauma and then in turn, feels like I do. If you can just meet one doctor, please meet Dr. de Moura.”
—Annette
“I was having severe chronic back pain daily. This went on for almost fifteen years. As soon as I met Dr. Macagno I said, “that’s the guy.” I eventually had a spinal fusion L4/5 an...
“I was having severe chronic back pain daily. This went on for almost fifteen years. As soon as I met Dr. Macagno I said, “that’s the guy.” I eventually had a spinal fusion L4/5 and S1. This was a ten-hour procedure. I exceeded both Dr. Macagno and the hospital staff expectations. Instead of walking a few steps, I easily walked the full length of the hospital halls and climbed stairs almost immediately after surgery. I am so happy to have met Dr. Macagno. I sing his praises every day and I always post on social media about how amazing I am doing every year on the anniversary of my surgery.”
—Gregg
“My reason for writing to you is to express my appreciation for the concern and encouragement you gave me following my surgery. Your visits to me early in the morning and your care...
“My reason for writing to you is to express my appreciation for the concern and encouragement you gave me following my surgery. Your visits to me early in the morning and your careful supervision of my recovery were a strong indication of the genuine concern you have for me. During my later years, I’ve had numerous associations with doctors and a variety of experiences. I can honestly say that I could not have received better treatment than I received from you.”
—L.B.
“Please accept my sincere gratitude for helping me overcome a very serious back problem that I’d had for many years. You were highly recommended to me, and you certainly lived up t...
“Please accept my sincere gratitude for helping me overcome a very serious back problem that I’d had for many years. You were highly recommended to me, and you certainly lived up to your reputation. My friend was right: You’re very good at what you do. Thanks again, and although you’re a very nice man, I hope never to have to see you again.”
—J.B.
“I want to thank you from my heart for all you’ve done for me at such a difficult time in my life. You gave me your time and your confident recommendation, and you even offered to ...
“I want to thank you from my heart for all you’ve done for me at such a difficult time in my life. You gave me your time and your confident recommendation, and you even offered to be at my side if and when surgery becomes necessary. You are a fine physician giving to those in need.”
—K.F.
“Dr. Macagno is the Best doctor! Professional and compassionate. Honest and knowledgeable. Worth every star and about 10 more!!!”
—M.C.
“Dr. Alexandre de Moura and New York Spine Institute are absolutely wonderful! I have personally seen the level of personal care and dedication when one of my seriously injured cli...
“Dr. Alexandre de Moura and New York Spine Institute are absolutely wonderful! I have personally seen the level of personal care and dedication when one of my seriously injured clients was treated there (I am a personal injury attorney). He had a terrific recovery and I credit Dr. de Moura and his staff with that.”
—A.Z.
Dr.v is a great doctor !!! From day one he has accessed and managed my pain while acknowledging me not only as his patient but as a person as well. Every Dr office should have a...
Dr.v is a great doctor !!! From day one he has accessed and managed my pain while acknowledging me not only as his patient but as a person as well. Every Dr office should have a Dr. V and the world for patients with pain would be a much better place. I haven’t had a Dr this great since Dr de Mourra who did my surgery In 2013. Thank you Dr de Mourra for referring me to a pain management dr who really cares for my needs as his patient. It has been a tough road . I can now honestly say the road I travel now as a pain patient is much smoother and manageable. Thank you Dr v and NYU.
Treatment options depend upon the size and location of the tumor, as well as whether it has metastasized. Options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies.
Treatments for a sacral spine tumor typically range from surgery, radiation therapy, or radiosurgery. These three techniques all target the tumor directly and are aimed at removing the entire tumor. Treatment for a skull base tumor typically involves surgery followed by radiation therapy, as this location is at a much higher risk for damaging nearby healthy tissue and is near critical structures such as the carotid artery.*
*The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment will vary by patient and condition. New York Spine Institute does not guarantee certain results.
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