Choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs) are rare, typically benign brain tumors that arise from the choroid plexus—the tissue in the brain's ventricles responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Although noncancerous, CPPs can lead to serious health issues by disrupting CSF flow, causing hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain) and increased intracranial pressure.
CPPs are classified as World Health Organization (WHO) Grade I tumors, meaning they are slow-growing and have an excellent prognosis when treated effectively. These tumors are most commonly diagnosed in young children, but they can also occur in adults.
What Are Choroid Plexus Papillomas?
A choroid plexus papilloma is a neuroepithelial tumor originating in the choroid plexus lining the brain's ventricles. These tumors are:
- Benign and slow-growing
- Commonly found in the lateral ventricles in children
- Usually located in the fourth ventricle in adults
- Rarely spread beyond the central nervous system
Despite their benign nature, CPPs can grow large enough to block CSF flow, leading to neurological symptoms that require prompt medical or surgical intervention.
Who Gets Choroid Plexus Papillomas and When?
Choroid plexus papillomas are most often diagnosed in:
- Infants and young children under the age of 2
- Slightly more frequently in males
- Rarely in adults, where they may present differently
In pediatric cases, CPPs account for up to 10% of brain tumors in children under 1 year old, making them one of the more common brain tumors in that age group.
