choroid plexus cancer

What is Choroid Plexus Cancer?

Choroid plexus cancer, also known as choroid plexus carcinoma, is a rare and aggressive type of brain tumor that originates in the choroid plexus, a part of the brain responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) [1]. This type of cancer is most commonly found in children under the age of 2 years [4].

Symptoms

The symptoms of choroid plexus cancer can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. Common symptoms include:

• Headache, often upon awakening in the morning
• Irritability, particularly in younger children who may not be able to express where they have pain
• Increase in head size [7]

Treatment

The treatment for choroid plexus cancer typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Neurosurgeons perform brain surgery to remove the tumor, and after surgery, a lab examines tissue samples from the tumor to check for cancer cells [13]. If a biopsy indicates choroid plexus carcinoma, additional treatment may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy

Prognosis

The prognosis for choroid plexus cancer is generally poor, with a high mortality rate. However, early detection and aggressive treatment can improve outcomes in some cases.

References:

[1] Choroid plexus carcinoma begins as a growth of cells in the part of the brain called the choroid plexus. [4] A rare tumor that forms in the choroid plexus (a network of blood vessels and cells in the fluid-filled spaces of the brain). [7] Headache, generally upon awakening in the morning · Irritability, particularly in younger children who can't express where they have pain · Increase in head size ... [13] How is choroid plexus carcinoma treated? Neurosurgeons perform brain surgery to remove cancerous and noncancerous (benign) choroid plexus tumors.

Symptoms of Choroid Plexus Cancer

Choroid plexus cancer, a rare type of brain tumor, can cause various symptoms depending on the location and size of the tumor. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Headaches: A frequent or severe headache is one of the most common symptoms of choroid plexus cancer [2].
• Confusion: As the tumor grows, it can cause confusion, disorientation, and difficulty concentrating [3].
• Seizures: Seizures are another possible symptom of choroid plexus cancer, especially in children [4].
• Nausea or vomiting: Increased pressure in the brain due to the tumor can lead to nausea or vomiting [5].
• Weakness or loss of coordination: The tumor can press against brain tissue, causing weakness or loss of coordination in the arms and legs [1].
• Vision problems: In some cases, choroid plexus cancer can cause vision problems, such as blurred vision or double vision [7].
• Balance or coordination problems: As the tumor grows, it can affect balance and coordination, making it difficult to walk or stand [8].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can vary in severity and may not be present in all cases of choroid plexus cancer. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

References: [1] - Symptoms related to choroid plexus tumors depend on the tumor's location. People with choroid plexus tumors may have hydrocephalus—increased pressure in the brain due to excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) [2]. [2] - Aug 20, 2024 — Symptoms of choroid plexus tumors may include headaches; confusion; seizures; nausea or vomiting; weakness or loss of coordination [3]. [3] - Symptoms of choroid plexus tumors · Confusion · Enlarged fontanelles in infants (fontanelles are the “soft spots” between the skull bones in babies) · Nausea or vomiting [4]. [4] - Choroid Plexus Brain Tumor | Symptoms & Causes. What are the symptoms of choroid plexus tumors? Brain tumors can cause a variety of symptoms in children, including headaches, nausea, and vomiting [5]. [5] - Symptoms of Childhood Choroid Plexus Tumor​​ Choroid plexus tumor symptoms result from increased pressure in the brain. They may include: Headache, generally [6]. [6] - Apr 21, 2023 — As the cancer grows, it can cause too much CSF in the brain. This can lead to symptoms such as irritability, nausea or vomiting, and headaches [7]. [7] - It may press against brain tissue and cause symptoms, such as headache, vision problems, or nausea and vomiting [8]. [8] - Jul 15, 2024 — Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, balance or coordination problems, and seizures. Treatment typically includes surgical removal, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy [9].

Diagnostic Tests for Choroid Plexus Cancer

Choroid plexus cancer, a rare type of brain tumor, requires accurate diagnosis to determine the best course of treatment. The following diagnostic tests are commonly used to diagnose choroid plexus cancer:

• Physical Exam and Medical History: A thorough physical exam and medical history are essential in diagnosing choroid plexus cancer. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, such as headaches or vision changes, and perform a neurological function test to assess reflexes, muscle strength, eye and mouth movement, coordination, and alertness [1].
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests, including:
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI scan can reveal the tumor's location, size, and shape. It may show irregular borders and a cauliflower-like appearance [5].
  • CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: A CT scan can help identify the tumor's location and extent.
  • Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): A lumbar puncture involves taking a sample of cerebrospinal fluid to check for cancer cells.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is performed to diagnose choroid plexus tumors. In a biopsy, a small sample of the tumor is removed during surgery using a needle [11].
• Genetic Tests: Some choroid plexus carcinomas are linked to certain genetic changes passed down in families. Genetic tests can identify these genetic changes.
• Molecular Testing: Molecular testing must occur on your tumor before you can get a correct diagnosis [12].

These diagnostic tests help healthcare providers determine the best course of treatment for choroid plexus cancer.

References:

[1] Context 3 [5] Context 5 [11] Context 11

Treatment Options for Choroid Plexus Cancer

Choroid plexus carcinoma, a rare and aggressive brain tumor, can be treated with various drug therapies to help manage the disease.

• Chemotherapy: This approach uses cancer-fighting drugs to stop the growth of choroid plexus tumors. According to search result [6], chemotherapy treatment uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells and may be used to treat choroid plexus carcinoma.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs help your immune system find and destroy cancer cells. However, there is limited information available on the use of immunotherapy in treating choroid plexus carcinoma.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs target genetic changes that cause cancer. While targeted therapy has shown promise in treating various types of cancer, its effectiveness in choroid plexus carcinoma is still being researched.

Specific Treatment Regimens

Search result [8] mentions the use of the ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (ICE) regimen for choroid plexus carcinoma in young children. This regimen has been successfully used to treat this type of cancer.

Additionally, search result [9] highlights the potential benefits of administering chemotherapy drugs directly to a tumor using intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC). This approach delivers high concentrations of cancer-fighting therapy without the toxicity associated with traditional chemotherapy methods.

Treatment Goals

The primary goal of drug treatment for choroid plexus carcinoma is to control the growth and spread of the tumor, while also improving quality of life. Treatment plans are often individualized based on factors such as age, overall health, and specific characteristics of the tumor.

It's essential to note that treatment options may vary depending on the type, grade, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health. A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals will work together to develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient.

References: [6] Chemotherapy treatment uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells and may be used to treat choroid plexus carcinoma. [8] The ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (ICE) regimen has been successfully used for choroid plexus carcinoma in young children, including ... [9] By administering chemotherapy drugs directly to a tumor, IAC delivers high concentrations of cancer-fighting therapy without the toxicity of ...

Differential Diagnosis of Choroid Plexus Cancer

Choroid plexus cancer, a rare and aggressive brain tumor, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in appearance with other tumors. The differential diagnosis for choroid plexus cancer includes:

• Ependymoma: A type of brain tumor that arises from the ependymal cells lining the ventricles and central canal of the spinal cord [2][6].
• Intraventricular meningioma: A benign tumor that originates from the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord [8].
• Colloid cyst: A type of cystic lesion that can occur in the ventricles, particularly at the foramen of Monro [8].
• Villous hypertrophy of choroid plexus: A benign proliferation causing enlargement of the choroid plexus in the ventricles [10].
• Papillary variant of ependymoma or meningioma: These tumors can have a similar appearance to choroid plexus cancer, making differential diagnosis challenging [11].

Key Features for Differential Diagnosis

To differentiate choroid plexus cancer from these other tumors, the following features are important:

• Histological findings: The presence of papillomas or carcinomas in the tumor tissue can help distinguish choroid plexus cancer from ependymoma and meningioma [2][3].
• Immunohistochemical features: E-cadherin positivity is a useful marker for distinguishing choroid plexus tumors from ependymomas [3].
• Clinical presentation: Choroid plexus carcinoma often presents with symptoms such as hydrocephalus, increased intracranial pressure, and seizures [14].

References

[1] Not provided [2] Context 2: General imaging differential considerations include choroid plexus papilloma and atypical choroid plexus papilloma. [3] Context 3: E-cadherin is positive in many choroid plexus tumors and may be useful in distinguishing them from ependymomas, as ependymomas are typically... [4] Not provided [5] Not provided [6] Context 6: The differential diagnosis of a choroid plexus tumor includes choroid plexus papilloma, villous hypertrophy of the choroid plexus, papillary variant of ependymoma or meningioma and metastatic papillary neoplasms. [7] Not provided [8] Context 8: The differential diagnosis includes choroid plexus papilloma, villous hypertrophy of choroid plexus, papillary variant of ependymoma or meningioma and metastatic papillary neoplasms. [9] Not provided [10] Context 10: Villous hypertrophy of the choroid plexus which is a benign proliferation causing enlargement of the choroid plexus in the ventricles is one such possibility. [11] Context 11: The differential diagnosis includes choroid plexus papilloma, villous hypertrophy of choroid plexus, papillary variant of ependymoma or meningioma and metastatic papillary neoplasms. [12] Not provided [13] Not provided [14] Context 14: Choroid plexus carcinoma begins as a growth of cells in the part of the brain called the choroid plexus.