Choroid plexus carcinoma
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Choroid plexus carcinoma is an uncommon form of brain cancer primarily diagnosed in children. A cellular growth in the choroid plexus is the beginning of choroid plexus carcinoma.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced by cells in choroid plexus. It helps protect the brain and spinal cord. As the tumor progresses, it can lead to an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain. Symptoms including irritation, nausea or vomiting, and headaches may result from this.
Numerous factors affect treatment and recovery prospects. These factors include the age of the child, their general health, the size, location, and whether the tumor has spread.
Symptoms
Headaches are the most frequent symptom. These tumors develop in the choroid plexus, which produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The symptoms may arise from elevated intracranial pressure caused by the overproduction of cerebrospinal fluid or obstruction in its regular circulation.
Additional symptoms can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abnormal eye movements
- Double or blurred vision
- Irritability
- Seizures
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Gait problem
- Increase in the size of the child head
Causes
Cancer can be brought on by specific mutations to the genes that regulate how the cells work. In many different cancers, genes can change or mutate, which can accelerate the growth and spread of cancer cells. The majority of choroid plexus cancers have unknown causes. Some choroid plexus cancers have a genetic component to their development. The likelihood of getting choroid plexus carcinomas has occasionally been linked to certain gene alterations that can be handed down through generations.
Diagnosis
Children under 2 years old are more likely to develop choroid plexus cancer. The following examinations and techniques are used to identify choroid plexus carcinoma:
- Neurological examination: The child’s reflexes, balance, coordination, hearing, vision, and hearing are assessed during this examination. This can assist identify the region of the brain that the tumor may be affecting.
- Imaging tests: MRI and CT scans are two examples of exams that produce images of the child’s brain. The doctor uses MRI to plan the surgical procedure.
- Genetic tests: Choroid plexus carcinomas have been linked to some genetic abnormalities that run in families. There are tests available to pinpoint certain genes. Inquire with the child’s healthcare provider about genetic testing and counseling.
Treatment
Typically, treatment for children and adults is different. Request a referral to a specialist who treats kids with brain tumors from the healthcare provider if the child is identified as having choroid plexus carcinoma. Complexity exists in the treatment of this malignancy. Look for a medical facility that has experience treating this malignancy and can provide the child with the most advanced options.
Surgery is the first line of treatment against choroid plexus tumors, if at all possible. The purpose of surgery is to retrieve tissue in order to identify the type of tumor and to remove the maximum amount of tumor while minimizing the patient’s complications. Treatment is followed by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or both.
- Surgical procedure: Surgery’s main objective is to completely eliminate the cancer. Surgery may not always be able to remove all cancer cells due to surrounding delicate and significant structures. Frequently, after surgery, further therapies are required.
The symptoms of hydrocephalus, often known as having too much fluid in the head, can be helped by surgery. To drain extra fluid during surgery, a temporary drain may occasionally be implanted.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy employs drugs that eliminate cancer cells. It might be used in conjunction to surgery and radiation treatment to assist in the management of cancer. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are occasionally administered simultaneously.
- Radiation therapy: To eliminate tumor cells, radiation therapy employs powerful energy beams. Protons, X-rays, and other forms of energy are possible. Effective cancer treatment is made possible by modern technologies while protecting healthy tissues. After surgery, radiation therapy may be necessary even if the entire tumor was successfully removed. If the tumor comes back, radiation treatment may potentially be employed afterwards.
