Choroid plexus tumor

Having a tumor in the brain is always a very serious matter, and a choroid plexus tumor is no exception. Choroid plexus tumors arise in the choroid plexus, tissue located in the spaces of the brain called ventricles.

While all brain tumors are life-threatening, most children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with one survive into adulthood. Many of them face physical, psychological, social and intellectual challenges related to their treatment, and require ongoing care to help with school and with skills they will use throughout adulthood.

As you read on, you’ll find detailed information about choroid plexus tumors. If you would like to read more general information about brain tumors first, see our overview on brain tumors.

• The choroid plexus makes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
   
• Choroid plexus tumors are rare, representing only 3 percent of brain tumors in children.
   
• They’re seen more often in younger children – between 10 and 20 percent of brain tumors that occur within the first year of life are choroid plexus tumors.
   
• Girls and boys are equally affected.
   
• The vast majority of choroid plexus tumors are either choroid plexus papillomas (CPP) or choroid plexus carcinomas (CPC). CPP are often easier to treat.

How Dana-Farber/Children’s Hospital Cancer Center approaches choroid plexus tumors

If your child is cared for at Children’s, he will be seen through Dana-Farber/Children’s Hospital Cancer Center, an integrated pediatric oncology program through Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children’s Hospital Boston that provides—in one specialized program—all the services of both a leading cancer center and a pediatric hospital.

After treatment, your child will receive expert follow-up care through the Stop and Shop Neuro-Oncology Outcomes Clinic at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where he will be are able to meet with his neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist, pediatric neuro-oncologist and neurologist at the same follow-up visit.

• Our pediatric brain tumor survivorship clinic is held weekly.
   
• In addition to meeting with your pediatric neuro-oncologists, neurologist and neurosurgeon, your child may also see one of our endocrinologists or alternative/complementary therapy specialists.
   
• School liaisons and psychosocial personnel from the pediatric brain tumor team are also available.
   
• If your child needs rehabilitation, he may also meet with speech, physical and occupational therapists during and after treatments.

Reviewed by Mark Kieran, MD, PhD
© Children’s Hospital Boston, 2010