Diagnosing and Treating a Choroid Plexus Tumor

When symptoms of a brain tumor are present, a doctor will often order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study. Choroid plexus tumors are usually easy to identify on an MRI scan, with typically irregular borders and a cauliflower-like appearance. An MRI scan may reveal multiple tumors in different regions of the brain. Swelling and hydrocephalus are commonly seen along with choroid plexus tumors.

Since the prognosis is best for those patients whose tumors are completely resected (removed), a neurosurgeon will often evaluate the patient to determine whether surgery is indicated. If the tumor can be removed safely, surgery is usually the first option. A biopsy is typically performed on the removed tumor to confirm the grade and type of tumor.

Patients who undergo surgical resection of their choroid plexus tumors often follow up with radiation treatment or chemotherapy. Second-look surgery (done after treatment to resect any remaining tumor) is often performed after radiation or chemotherapy.

NEWS!
First-Ever Phase 1 Clinical Trial for Choroid Plexus Carcinoma (CPC) Opens for Enrollment
An exciting new clinical trial that aims to reduce the size of a choroid plexus tumor before surgery.

First Patient Treated in Choroid Plexus Carcinoma Clinical Trial

Due to the complexity and rarity of choroid plexus tumors, patients should be evaluated and treated at major medical centers with interdisciplinary teams who have experience with this tumor. The teams at smaller hospitals may never have seen a choroid plexus tumor before, as there are only about 125 new diagnoses each year.