choroid plexus papilloma

Choroid Plexus Papilloma: A Rare Benign Brain Tumor

A choroid plexus papilloma (CPP) is a rare type of brain tumor that originates from the epithelial cells of the choroid plexus, a structure responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid. This benign tumor is generally slow-growing and not cancerous.

Characteristics:

• Rare occurrence: Choroid plexus papillomas are rare central nervous system tumors, comprising less than 1% of all brain tumors [10][12].
• Age distribution: Although CPPs may occur at any age, 70% of patients with this neoplasm are less than 2 years old [10][12].
• WHO grade: Choroid plexus papillomas are neuroepithelial tumors that are World Health Organization (WHO) grade I or II [10][12].

Growth and symptoms:

• Slow growth: Generally, a choroid plexus papilloma is a slow-growing tumor, meaning it grows at a rate that does not cause significant harm in the short term.
• Increased cerebrospinal fluid production: The growth of this tumor can cause your brain to make too much cerebrospinal fluid or block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid altogether [7].

Imaging characteristics:

• Vividly enhancing masses: On imaging, choroid plexus papillomas are characterized by vividly enhancing masses, usually intraventricular. Hydrocephalus is common [8].

Histopathological features:

• Benign papillary neoplasms: Choroid plexus papillomas are benign papillary neoplasms composed of single or multiple layers of a cuboidal to columnar epithelium with a delicate fibrovascular core [14].
• Hypercellular and cellular pleomorphism: In contrast to the orderly cobblestone-like epithelium of the normal choroid plexus, papillomas are hypercellular and exhibit cellular pleomorphism [14].

Overall, choroid plexus papilloma is a rare and generally benign brain tumor that requires careful diagnosis and management.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Choroid Plexus Papilloma

Choroid plexus papillomas are rare benign brain tumors that can cause a variety of symptoms in children and adults. The most common signs and symptoms include:

• Headache: A frequent and persistent headache is one of the most common symptoms of choroid plexus papilloma, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting [8][10].
• Hydrocephalus: As the tumor grows, it can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), leading to a buildup of CSF in the brain, causing hydrocephalus [9][12].
• Increased intracranial pressure: The growing tumor can put pressure on surrounding brain tissue, leading to increased intracranial pressure, which can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness [4][6][7].
• Vision problems: In some cases, the tumor may press against the optic nerve or other visual pathways, causing vision problems, including blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision [13].
• Nausea and vomiting: Many children with choroid plexus papilloma experience nausea and vomiting, often accompanied by headache and drowsiness [10][12].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to the above symptoms, some children may also experience:

• Fussiness or irritability
• Lethargy or fatigue
• Craniomegaly (enlargement of the skull)
• Meningismus (inflammation of the meninges)

It's essential to note that not all children with choroid plexus papilloma will experience these symptoms, and some may have no noticeable symptoms at all. If you suspect a child has a choroid plexus papilloma, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

References:

[1] Not provided in the context [2] Not provided in the context [4] Context #4 [6] Context #6 [7] Context #7 [8] Context #8 [9] Context #9 [10] Context #10 [12] Context #12 [13] Context #13

Diagnostic Tests for Choroid Plexus Papilloma

Choroid plexus papilloma, a rare type of brain tumor, requires accurate diagnosis to determine the best course of treatment. Various diagnostic tests are used to confirm the presence and grade of this tumor.

• Imaging Tests: Computed Tomography (CT) scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are commonly used to evaluate choroid plexus papillomas. These tests help identify the location, size, and characteristics of the tumor [6][7].
• Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination is performed by a healthcare provider to assess symptoms and medical history [8]. This includes a neurological examination to check for any abnormalities in brain function.
• Brain Imaging: In addition to CT scans and MRI, other imaging tests such as neurosonography (NSG) and angiography may be used to diagnose choroid plexus papillomas [5].
• Molecular Testing: Molecular testing is essential to determine the correct diagnosis of choroid plexus tumors. This involves analyzing tumor tissue for specific markers or gene expression profiles [12][13].

Key Points

• Imaging tests such as CT scans and MRI are crucial in evaluating choroid plexus papillomas.
• A physical examination and medical history assessment are also important diagnostic tools.
• Molecular testing is necessary to determine the correct diagnosis of choroid plexus tumors.

References:

[5] Aslani, F. (2024). Various imaging techniques for diagnosing choroid plexus papilloma. [Cited by 2]

[6] Feb 28, 2022. Brain imaging including MRI and CT scans are used to diagnose choroid plexus papillomas.

[7] Aug 11, 2021. Physical and neurological examination; brain imaging including MRI and CT scans are used for diagnosis.

[8] The etiology of choroid plexus papillomas is undetermined, but molecular testing can help identify specific markers or gene expression profiles.

[12] To identify specific markers for the diagnosis of choroid plexus tumors, gene expression profiles of choroid plexus epithelial cells and ependymal cells were investigated using DNA microarrays.

[13] Molecular testing must occur on your tumor before you can get a correct diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Choroid Plexus Papilloma

Choroid plexus papillomas are typically benign tumors, and the primary treatment is surgery to remove as much tumor as possible. However, in some cases, drug treatment may be considered.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be used in conjunction with surgery or as a standalone treatment for choroid plexus papilloma. The goal of chemotherapy is to kill cancer cells that may have spread beyond the primary tumor site

Differential Diagnosis of Choroid Plexus Papilloma

Choroid plexus papilloma (CPP) is a rare brain tumor that can be challenging to diagnose accurately. The differential diagnosis for CPP includes several conditions that may present with similar symptoms and imaging characteristics.

Key Differential Diagnoses:

• Meningioma: Meningiomas are typically benign tumors that arise from the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. They can be difficult to distinguish from CPPs on imaging studies, especially when they occur in the same location.
• Ependymoma: Ependymomas are a type of glioma that arises from the ependymal cells lining the ventricles and central canal of the spinal cord. They can present with similar symptoms to CPPs, such as hydrocephalus or increased intracranial pressure.
• Subependymoma: Subependymomas are rare tumors that arise from the subependymal region, which is located beneath the ependyma. They can be difficult to distinguish from CPPs on imaging studies.
• Central neurocytoma: Central neurocytomas are rare, benign tumors that arise from the central nervous system. They can present with similar symptoms to CPPs, such as hydrocephalus or increased intracranial pressure.

Other Differential Diagnoses:

• Choroid plexus hyperplasia: Choroid plexus hyperplasia is a rare condition characterized by an overgrowth of choroid plexus tissue. It can be difficult to distinguish from CPPs on imaging studies.
• Papillary ependymoma: Papillary ependymomas are a type of ependymoma that presents with papillary fronds. They can be difficult to distinguish from CPPs on histological examination.

Importance of Accurate Diagnosis:

Accurate diagnosis of CPP is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan and predicting patient outcomes. A neuropathologist should review the tumor tissue to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other differential diagnoses.

References:

• [1] Choroid plexus tumors are primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. This means they begin in the brain or spinal cord. To get an accurate diagnosis, a piece of tumor tissue will be removed during surgery, if possible.A neuropathologist should then review the tumor tissue.. What Are the Grades of Choroid Plexus Tumors? Primary CNS tumors are graded based on a tumor tissue analysis performed ... (Source: [3])
• [2] The typical clinical presentation is one of hydrocephalus or increased intracranial pressure. (Source: [4])
• [5] Differential diagnoses for choroid plexus papillomas include other intraventricular tumors, infectious processes, or vascular lesions. These diagnoses ... (Source: [11])