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Tumors of the choroid plexus in children
R G Ellenbogen1, K R Winston, W J Kupsky
1Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
Insights
Surgically removing primary choroid plexus neoplasms in children offers good outcomes. Complete tumor removal significantly improves prognosis for children with choroid plexus carcinoma, a surgically treatable condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Primary choroid plexus neoplasms are rare central nervous system tumors in children.
- Surgical intervention is the primary treatment modality for these tumors.
- Outcomes vary significantly based on tumor histology and completeness of resection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the surgical outcomes and long-term prognosis of pediatric primary choroid plexus neoplasms.
- To determine the impact of surgical approach and extent of resection on patient survival.
- To analyze prognostic factors for choroid plexus papilloma and carcinoma in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 40 pediatric cases with primary choroid plexus neoplasms operated over 45 years.
- Detailed analysis of surgical records and histopathological slides.
- Assessment of 5-year survival rates and correlation with treatment variables.
Main Results:
- Excellent prognosis observed for children with choroid plexus papilloma following surgical removal.
- A 5-year survival rate of 50% was recorded for pediatric choroid plexus carcinoma.
- All deaths in carcinoma cases occurred within 7 months post-operation, with better outcomes for complete resections.
Conclusions:
- Primary choroid plexus neoplasms in children are surgically manageable with favorable outcomes.
- Aggressive surgical resection is warranted, particularly for choroid plexus carcinoma.
- Complete tumor removal is a critical prognostic factor for improving survival in pediatric choroid plexus carcinoma.
Abstract:
Primary neoplasms of the choroid plexus in children are surgically treatable, and the encouraging results of surgical removal, even for carcinoma, justify an aggressive surgical approach. Forty cases operated on over a span of 45 years have been reviewed in detail, including a rereading of all microscopic slides. The prognosis for children with papilloma has been excellent. The 5-year survival rate for children with carcinoma of the choroid plexus was 50%, and all deaths occurred within 7 months of operation. The patients whose carcinomas were totally removed had a better prognosis than did those with subtotal removal.
