Choroid plexus carcinoma

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.