Choroid plexus tumors, such as choroid plexus papillomas and choroid plexus carcinomas, grow into the ventricles (fluid-filled spaces in the brain) from the cells that produce spinal fluid. These tumors can cause symptoms similar to other intraventricular tumors, with headache and confusion as the most common symptoms.
Choroid plexus papillomas are slow-growing and considered benign, while choroid plexus carcinomas are malignant, aggressive cancers.
Surgical removal is the primary treatment for choroid plexus tumors. The preferred surgical approach at UPMC is Neuroendoport® Surgery, which provides access to the ventricles through a dime-size channel. This minimally invasive approach offers the benefits of minimal scarring, fewer side effects and complications, and faster recovery times.
Choroid plexus tumors can be identified by imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans.
Your physician will also ask you about your symptoms. These may include:
- headaches
- confusion
- seizures
- nausea or vomiting
- weakness or loss of sensation in the arms and/or legs
- speech, vision, or memory problems
- personality changes
Surgery is the primary treatment for choroid plexus tumors. Choroid plexus papillomas are usually cured with surgery. Choroid plexus carcinomas usually require additional treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Neuroendoport® Surgery offers a minimally invasive option for tumors within the ventricles (fluid spaces) or for deep-seated tumors within the substance of the brain. A narrow tube or port allows doctors to access tumors such as gliomas or brain metasteses through a tiny incision in the scalp, in contrast to conventional brain surgery.
At UPMC, we take a 360° Approach to treatment when evaluating each patient—looking at their conditions from every direction—to find the path that is least disruptive to the patient's brain, critical nerves, and ability to return to normal functioning. Our neurosurgical team may recommend a combination of surgical and non-surgical approaches to maximize the benefits of surgery while minimizing risks.
Other Treatments
Radiation Therapy
Radiation is commonly used to treat brain tumors, either alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy may be delivered externally by directing radiation at the tumor from an outside source, internally by placing radioactive material directly in the body near the cancer, or using stereotactic radiosurgery to deliver a concentrated dose of radiation directly to the brain tumor.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, chemotherapy may be taken by mouth, as an injection, or placed directly into the brain tumor site.
