About Choroid Plexus Tumors
The choroid plexus is a special layer of cells that line part of the brain called the ventricles. The ventricles are four hollow spaces in the brain that are filled with a special substance called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
The CSF flows out of the ventricles to surround the brain and spinal cord, providing a protective cushion layer, as well as helping clear waste and deliver nutrients. This important fluid is made by the choroid plexus, specialized areas of cells within each of the four ventricles.
A choroid plexus tumor is a result of excessive growth of these specialized cells. They typically occur in very young children, though they can develop at any age. Oftentimes, they lead to hydrocephalus, or a build up of spinal fluid inside the head that results in elevated intracranial pressure. This can happen because the tumor is blocking the flow of CSF out of the ventricle, or it can happen because the extra choroid plexus cells within the tumor are producing extra CSF.
There are two different forms of choroid plexus tumors. One is benign, while the other is cancerous.
Choroid Plexus Papilloma
Choroid Plexus Papilloma is a benign growth of choroid plexus cells. That means that there are more cells than there should be, but they are not likely spreading to other areas of the body or invading nearby tissues. However, if your child has a choroid plexus papilloma, the tumor itself may be compressing other structures or preventing the flow of CSF, or it may be overproducing CSF.
Over 80 percent of choroid plexus tumors are papillomas. The term “papilloma” refers to the form of the tumor, which grows out from the base layer of cells in a fingerlike projection. The number of cells lining the hollow ventricle increases and the projection grows larger and larger until it may eventually block the entire width across, inhibiting the flow of CSF.
Choroid Plexus Carcinoma
While a choroid plexus papilloma is benign and slow-growing, choroid plexus carcinoma grows much more quickly and is more aggressive. These tumors are very rare, but arise from the same cells and have a similar, but more serious, effect.
What makes choroid plexus carcinoma cancerous is its tendency to invade nearby tissues and to spread to other areas. The ventricles are hollow spaces centered within the brain. A choroid plexus carcinoma can grow into the surrounding brain tissue, which can cause neurological problems dependent upon the specific area.
Because the CSF circulates through the entire central nervous system, it provides an easy path for the carcinoma to “seed” and spread to other areas. Cancerous cells can essentially break off the tumor and travel through the CSF into other areas of the brain, or even down the spinal cord.
Symptoms of Choroid Plexus Tumors
The symptoms of choroid plexus tumors are related to the different effects the tumor is having on the body. There may be increased pressure within the skull, some structures may be impinged by the tumor and there may be invasion of brain tissues if the tumor has invaded.
Because of the pressure build-up, the first thing you may have noticed in your child is an enlarged skull or bulging at the fontanelle because of the increased intracranial pressure. Other symptoms you may have noticed in your child include:
- Headache, possibly manifested as increased fussiness in an infant
- Nausea and vomiting, particularly first thing in the morning
- Vision and eye movement problems, resulting from too much pressure on the back of the brain
- Trouble with balance or coordination, including feeding
- Neurological deficits
Treatments for Choroid Plexus Tumors
The specific treatment for your child’s choroid plexus tumor will depend upon his or her age, the location and nature of the tumor and your child’s overall health. Your healthcare team will develop a treatment plan that is right for your child, but the general approach will be the same.
The first treatment goal, regardless of whether the tumor is the papilloma or carcinoma form, is removal. This procedure will be performed by a brain tumor surgeon who is a specialist in these procedures. Sometimes after the tumor is removed, there will still be too much CSF, in which case the surgeon may need toplace a shunt to divert the excess fluid elsewhere.
If your child has been diagnosed with choroid plexus carcinoma, he will need to undergo extra treatment, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy. This is because if any of the tumor cells get left behind, the tumor can return, or there may be tumor cells in other areas of the body. Your child’s healthcare team will make recommendations for your child’s treatment on a case-by-case basis.
Why Choose Neurosurgeons of New Jersey?
Whether your child has been diagnosed with choroid plexus papilloma or choroid plexus carcinoma, you want to ensure their surgery is performed by an expert brain tumor surgeon.
Neurosurgeons of New Jersey is the largest subspecialty practice in the Tristate area and is made up of surgeons who are focused on specific areas. This means that the brain tumor surgeons practicing at Neurosurgeons of New Jersey focus solely on brain tumors, enabling them to become experts in their field.
With the latest technology, top-level clinicians and a patient-centric model, the brain tumor surgeons of Neurosurgeons of New Jersey can help you feel confident and comfortable with your child’s choroid plexus tumor treatment during this difficult time.