Choroid Plexus Carcinoma

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose choroid plexus carcinoma may include:

• Neurological exam – This test checks your child’s vision, hearing, balance, coordination, and reflexes. Results help show which part of the brain may be affected by the tumor.

• Brain imaging tests – MRI and CT scans create detailed images of the brain. MRI also helps the healthcare team plan surgery.

• Genetic tests – Some choroid plexus carcinomas are linked to inherited genetic changes. Genetic testing and counseling can help identify specific genes and assess family risk.

Because this condition is rare and complex, it’s important to seek care at a medical center experienced in treating pediatric brain tumors. Ask for a referral to a specialist who treats children with this type of cancer.

Treatment

Treatment for choroid plexus carcinoma often involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Surgery

The main goal of surgery is to remove as much of the cancer as safely possible. In some cases, nearby brain structures make it difficult to remove the entire tumor, so additional treatments are required.

Surgery can also relieve symptoms caused by excess fluid in the brain, known as hydrocephalus. A temporary drain may be placed during surgery to remove the extra fluid.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells. It may be used along with surgery and radiation therapy to help control the tumor. In some cases, chemotherapy and radiation are given at the same time.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses strong energy beams such as X-rays or protons to destroy tumor cells. Newer radiation technologies allow doctors to deliver treatment precisely to the tumor while protecting healthy tissue.

Radiation therapy may be given after surgery, even if all visible cancer has been removed. It can also be used if the tumor returns.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials test new and developing treatments for choroid plexus carcinoma. These studies can provide access to advanced therapies that aren’t yet widely available.

Each trial has specific eligibility requirements, and side effects may vary. Ask your healthcare professional if your child may qualify for a clinical trial.