About Choroid Plexus Carcinoma
Choroid plexus carcinoma is a rare and highly aggressive malignant type of tumor that occurs almost exclusively in children. It primarily affects the choroid plexus, which is a network of blood vessels in the brain that produces cerebrospinal fluid.
This type of tumor typically obstructs the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain, leading to hydrocephalus (excessive accumulation of fluid) and increased pressure inside the skull.
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abnormal eye movements, gait impairment, seizures, and an enlarged head circumference. Choroid plexus carcinoma is characterized by its rapid growth and tendency to spread to other parts of the brain. It requires prompt medical attention and treatment due to its aggressive nature.
The disease mechanism of choroid plexus carcinoma are primarily genetic changes that affect the functioning of cells. These genetic changes, known as mutations, can lead to increased growth and spread of cancer cells. While the exact cause of most choroid plexus carcinomas is unknown, some cases have been linked to specific genetic changes that can be inherited.
Non-modifiable risk factors for choroid plexus carcinoma are risk factors that cannot be controlled or changed.
- Age and race are non-modifiable risk factors, as the disease is most often seen in younger ages (under 2 years old) and non-Hispanic white race. However, it can occur in all age groups and races.
There currently are no known modifiable risk factors for choroid plexus carcinoma.
Symptoms of choroid plexus carcinoma may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Abnormal eye movements or vision problems (blurred or double vision)
- Gait impairment
- Seizures
- Irritability
- A strong desire to sleep
It's important to note that symptoms can vary depending on the location of the tumor and individual cases. If you or someone you know is experiencing any concerning symptoms, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
To diagnose choroid plexus carcinoma, the following examinations, tests, and procedures are commonly performed:
- Physical exam: A healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam to look for physical signs of the condition. This will include a neurologic exam to look for problems with vision, hearing, and balance.
- Lab tests: Blood tests may be done to check for general health and for genetic changes or abnormalities.
- Imaging studies: MRI or CT scans of the brain may be performed to visualize the affected area.
Based upon initial findings, additional examinations, tests, or procedures may be done. These include:
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): This procedure involves collecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the lower back area using a thin needle. The CSF is then examined for cancer cells or other indicators of disease spread.
- Genetic testing: Genetic testing may be performed to identify specific genetic mutations associated with choroid plexus carcinoma. This information can help guide treatment decisions.
- Staging scans: Imaging scans such as MRI or CT scans may be repeated to assess if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
- Surgery and Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of tissue is taken from the tumor for further analysis. The tissue sample is analyzed by a pathologist to confirm the diagnosis of choroid plexus carcinoma and determine its type and severity. The biopsy can be done using different techniques, such as needle biopsy or surgical biopsy.
It's important to consult with your healthcare professional about which specific examinations, tests, and procedures are appropriate for your individual situation.
The goals of treatment for choroid plexus carcinoma eliminate the tumor and cancer cells without causing more symptoms.
- Surgery is usually the first step in treatment. The surgeons will remove as much tumor as possible. The removed tumor tissue will be analyzed by the pathology specialists to determine the tumor type.
After surgery, additional treatments may be recommended based on factors such as the patient's age, remaining tumor after surgery, tumor type, and tumor location. More than one additional treatment may be used at the same time. These treatments may include:
- Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It can be used to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery or to shrink tumors before surgery.
- Chemotherapy: Medications are used to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. Chemotherapy may be given orally or intravenously and can be used before or after surgery to target cancer cells throughout the body.
- Clinical trials: These studies evaluate new chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy drugs. Participation in a clinical trial provides access to potentially promising treatments not yet widely available.
- Additional treatments may be recommended to help manage specific symptoms of choroid plexus carcinoma or its treatment.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in choroid plexus carcinoma for personalized treatment recommendations.