Choroid plexus papilloma (CPP) is a rare, usually benign (non-cancer) brain tumor that starts in the choroid plexus, the spongy tissue inside the brain’s fluid spaces (ventricles) that makes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CPP most often happens in babies and young children, but it can occur at any age. It tends to grow inside a ventricle and can block fluid flow or even make too much CSF. Both problems can raise pressure inside the skull and cause symptoms like headache, vomiting, and sleepiness. The main treatment is surgery to remove the tumor, which is often curative if the whole tumor is taken out. NCBI
Choroid Plexus Papilloma (CPP) is a benign (non-cancer) brain tumor that grows from the choroid plexus, which is the soft, frond-like tissue inside the brain’s fluid spaces called ventricles. The choroid plexus normally makes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is the clear liquid that cushions, cleans, and nourishes the brain and spinal cord.
In CPP, the cells of the choroid plexus grow in finger-like fronds (papillae). The tumor usually stays inside a ventricle. Because of where it sits and what the choroid plexus does, the tumor can cause trouble in two main ways:
It can block the normal flow of CSF, like a cork in a bottle.
It can make too much CSF, because the tumor tissue keeps producing fluid.
Both problems can raise the pressure inside the head. This is called hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus causes many of the symptoms people notice.
CPP can happen at any age. It is more common in infants and young children. In children, it usually sits in a lateral ventricle (the side fluid space). In adults, it more often sits in the fourth ventricle (the back, lower fluid space).
CPP is usually curable with surgery, because it is a WHO Grade I tumor, which means it is non-cancerous and slow-growing. A related tumor called atypical choroid plexus papilloma grows a bit faster (WHO Grade II). A different tumor called choroid plexus carcinoma is malignant (WHO Grade III). Carcinoma is not a papilloma, but doctors mention it because all three begin in the same tissue.
Why it matters
The tumor’s location matters more than its biology, because it sits inside the CSF pathways.
The main risks are hydrocephalus, pressure on nearby brain areas, seizures, and in rare cases spread through CSF (“drop metastasis,” much more common with carcinoma than with papilloma).
Most people do well after complete surgical removal, especially when hydrocephalus is treated.
Types of choroid plexus papilloma
1) By microscopic behavior (WHO grade)
Typical Choroid Plexus Papilloma (CPP, WHO Grade I).
A benign tumor with papillary fronds lined by a single layer of cells that look near-normal. It grows slowly and does not invade brain tissue.Atypical Choroid Plexus Papilloma (aCPP, WHO Grade II).
Still a papilloma, but the cells divide more often, and the tumor may grow faster. It can recur more than a typical CPP, so doctors follow it more closely.
Note: Choroid Plexus Carcinoma (CPC, WHO Grade III) is malignant and different from papilloma. Doctors discuss it to explain the full choroid plexus tumor family.
2) By location inside the ventricles
Lateral ventricle CPP.
Most common in infants and young children. Can cause head enlargement in babies.Third ventricle CPP.
Less common. Can block deep midline CSF flow.Fourth ventricle CPP.
More common in adults. Can press on the brainstem and cerebellum, causing balance or eye movement problems.
3) By age group
Infant / Pediatric CPP.
Often large at discovery because babies cannot describe symptoms. Head size increase may be the earliest clue.Adult CPP.
Often smaller at discovery because adults report headaches, imbalance, or double vision earlier.
4) By growth pattern
Purely intraventricular.
Sits within a ventricle and attaches to the choroid plexus.Intraventricular with wall contact.
Touches the ventricular wall and may distort nearby structures.Very rare parenchymal extension.
Grows out of the ventricle into the brain tissue (unusual for papilloma).
Causes and risk factors
For most people, the exact cause is unknown. Doctors believe many CPPs start from random genetic changes in a single choroid plexus cell during early development. Below are 20 factors and associations that researchers and clinicians consider. Evidence strength varies. Some are rare.
Random (sporadic) DNA changes.
Most CPPs seem to happen by chance when one cell acquires errors as it divides.Early developmental timing.
The choroid plexus forms early in the embryo. Small errors at that time can later show up as a tumor in childhood.DICER1 syndrome (germline mutation).
A rare inherited condition that raises the risk of certain pediatric tumors, including choroid plexus tumors in some families.Li–Fraumeni syndrome (TP53 germline mutation).
Strongly linked to choroid plexus carcinoma; the link to papilloma is weaker, but families with this syndrome can have various choroid plexus tumors.Aicardi syndrome (in girls).
A rare neurodevelopmental disorder that has been associated with choroid plexus tumors, including papillomas, in case reports.Mosaic developmental errors in brain tissue.
Some embryos develop pockets of tissue with different DNA. If this happens in the choroid plexus, it may set the stage for a tumor.Prior cranial radiation exposure in childhood.
Very uncommon, but radiation can increase the risk of multiple brain tumors years later.In-utero radiation exposure.
High radiation doses to the fetus are rare but can raise the risk of childhood tumors in general.Possible DICER1-related family history of pediatric tumors.
Families with multiple early-life tumors may be offered genetic counseling and testing.Germline or somatic changes in cell-cycle genes (general concept).
Tumors grow when “stop” signals fail. Many pathways can be involved even when no single named syndrome is present.Abnormal Notch/Hedgehog/Wnt pathway signaling (biologic pathways).
These pathways guide brain development. Imbalance can favor growth signals. Evidence varies across studies and is stronger in carcinomas than in classic CPP.DNA repair weaknesses (mismatch repair defects).
Very rare inherited conditions can increase general brain tumor risk.Chromosomal instability in tumor cells.
Some CPPs show extra or missing chromosome segments, which may drive growth.Immature immune surveillance in infants.
Babies’ immune systems are still developing; abnormal cells may persist longer before being cleared.Microenvironmental growth factors in ventricles.
The CSF contains growth signals. Tumor fronds are bathed in CSF, which may help them grow.Sex and age patterns (epidemiology, not a cause).
CPP is slightly more frequent in young children. This pattern points to developmental timing rather than lifestyle causes.Very rare associations with other congenital brain malformations.
When general brain development is atypical, neoplastic risks can rise modestly.Parental genetic factors not yet defined.
Ongoing research seeks undiscovered inherited risks.Environmental toxins (evidence limited).
Clear links are weak; still, avoiding toxins in pregnancy is sensible for overall fetal health.Truly idiopathic cases.
Even after testing, most CPPs have no identifiable trigger. This is common in many pediatric tumors.
Symptoms and signs
Symptoms depend on tumor size, location, and how much it blocks or over-produces CSF. In babies and toddlers, parents and clinicians notice body signs more than complaints.
Headache.
Often worse in the morning or when lying down, because CSF pressure is higher.Nausea and vomiting.
Caused by raised pressure inside the skull irritating the brain’s vomiting center.Irritability or unusual fussiness (in infants).
Babies cannot describe pain; they cry, sleep poorly, or seem unsettled.Head enlargement (macrencephaly) in infants.
The skull bones have not fused yet, so the head circumference grows too fast.Bulging soft spot (fontanelle) in infants.
A tense or bulging fontanelle reflects increased intracranial pressure.“Sun-setting” eyes in infants.
The eyes appear driven downward with the whites visible above the iris, a sign of pressure.Poor feeding and failure to thrive (infants).
Ongoing vomiting and discomfort reduce intake and growth.Balance problems and clumsiness.
Tumors in the fourth ventricle can affect the cerebellum, causing unsteady walking.Double vision or uncontrolled eye movements.
Pressure on brainstem pathways or cranial nerves can disturb eye control.Seizures.
Less common than in tumors within the brain tissue, but possible, especially if pressure is high or if the tumor irritates nearby cortex.Sleepiness and reduced alertness.
Rising pressure can make a person drowsy or hard to wake.Behavior or school performance changes (older children).
Subtle pressure effects may look like attention problems or irritability.Neck pain or stiff neck.
Occurs with fourth ventricle tumors or with high pressure.Vision blur and transient vision loss.
Raised pressure swells the optic nerve head (papilledema), leading to visual symptoms.Head tilt or torticollis.
A child may tilt the head to try to relieve discomfort or double vision.
How doctors diagnose choroid plexus papilloma
Diagnosis uses history, examination, and tests. Below are 20 common diagnostic tools, grouped the way a clinic or hospital might use them. Imaging gives the main answer. Pathology confirms it.
A) Physical examination
General neurological examination.
The doctor checks alertness, language, strength, sensation, reflexes, coordination, and cranial nerves to map which brain areas are affected.Vital signs and signs of raised intracranial pressure.
Blood pressure, heart rate, breathing pattern, and mental status are observed. A very high pressure can trigger Cushing’s triad (high blood pressure, slow heart rate, irregular breathing).Head circumference measurement (infants).
Serial measurements plotted on growth charts show abnormal head growth over time.Fontanelle and cranial suture assessment (infants).
A bulging fontanelle or separated sutures are bedside clues of high pressure.Funduscopic exam (looking at the optic nerve).
Using an ophthalmoscope, the doctor looks for papilledema, which suggests raised intracranial pressure.
B) Manual bedside neurologic tests
Romberg test (balance).
Standing with feet together and eyes closed checks body sway; problems suggest balance pathway issues.Tandem gait and heel-toe walking.
Walking heel-to-toe in a straight line reveals subtle cerebellar or brainstem involvement.Finger-to-nose and heel-to-shin testing.
These coordination tests detect cerebellar dysfunction common with fourth ventricle tumors.Pronator drift and manual muscle testing.
Subtle weakness shows up when arms drift or when strength is tested against resistance.Deep tendon reflexes and plantar response (Babinski).
Abnormal reflexes can signal pressure on long motor pathways.
C) Laboratory and pathological tests
Basic pre-operative labs (CBC, electrolytes, coagulation).
Not diagnostic of the tumor itself, but necessary for safe surgery and anesthesia.CSF analysis (when safe).
Doctors avoid lumbar puncture if pressure is high because of herniation risk. When safe or via a ventricular drain, CSF may show high protein or rare tumor cells. This helps in differential diagnosis.Surgical pathology with H&E staining.
This is the definitive test. Under the microscope, CPP shows papillary fronds with a single layer of uniform epithelial cells on a fibrovascular core, without brain tissue invasion.Immunohistochemistry panel.
Tumor cells typically express cytokeratins and transthyretin (TTR) (a protein normally made by choroid plexus). Ki-67 (MIB-1) index is low in CPP and higher in atypical CPP or carcinoma.Molecular / genetic testing (selected cases).
Testing may look for patterns that support the diagnosis or guide counseling (e.g., TP53 changes in families with Li–Fraumeni, DICER1 in suggestive histories).
D) Electrodiagnostic tests
Electroencephalogram (EEG).
Used if the patient has seizures. It shows abnormal brain electrical activity and helps guide anti-seizure treatment.Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM).
During surgery, monitoring of motor and sensory pathways helps the surgeon remove the tumor safely, especially near the brainstem.
E) Imaging tests (the core of diagnosis)
MRI brain with and without contrast (primary test).
MRI shows an intraventricular, lobulated, frond-like mass, often strongly enhancing after contrast. It shows how the mass relates to CSF pathways and nearby brain structures. MRI also detects hydrocephalus and edema. Diffusion and perfusion sequences help distinguish papilloma from carcinoma and from other intraventricular tumors.MR spectroscopy (add-on to MRI).
Looks at chemical peaks inside the tumor (e.g., choline elevation). It supports, but does not replace, pathology.Cranial ultrasound (infants with open fontanelle).
A quick bedside scan through the soft spot can show a highly vascular intraventricular mass and ventricle enlargement without radiation.CT head without and with contrast.
CT is fast in emergencies. It shows a hyperdense intraventricular mass, possible calcifications, and acute hydrocephalus. Contrast enhances the mass and outlines clot if there is bleeding.MR venography or CSF flow studies (selected cases).
These look at venous drainage or CSF movement to plan surgery or shunting when pathways are complex.Spine MRI (staging in select situations).
Rarely, tumor cells can spread in CSF (much more with carcinoma). Spine MRI checks for drop metastases if symptoms or pathology suggest risk.Pre-operative vascular imaging or perfusion MRI (when bleeding risk is a concern).
CPPs are very vascular. Imaging that shows blood flow helps surgeons plan to reduce blood loss.
Non-Pharmacological Treatments
The core treatment for CPP is surgery to remove the tumor. The items below focus on supportive, rehabilitative, and lifestyle approaches around surgery and recovery. I include the Description, Purpose, and Mechanism for each.
Careful watch & plan (short observation) in stable cases.
Description: Rarely, with very small, minimally symptomatic tumors, a short period of watchful waiting with repeat MRI may be used while planning surgery.
Purpose: Optimize timing and surgical approach.
Mechanism: Tracks growth and hydrocephalus risk to decide safest action.Pre-operative hydration and nutrition.
Description: Ensure fluids, electrolytes, and calories are appropriate before surgery.
Purpose: Reduce anesthesia risks; support healing.
Mechanism: Corrects dehydration and electrolyte shifts common with vomiting.Head elevation and sleep hygiene.
Description: Sleep on 1–2 pillows; keep head elevated when resting.
Purpose: Ease venous drainage and lower intracranial pressure symptoms.
Mechanism: Gravity helps CSF and venous blood outflow.Avoid heavy straining (Valsalva).
Description: Use stool softeners as advised; avoid lifting/straining.
Purpose: Prevent transient spikes in intracranial pressure.
Mechanism: Reduces sudden venous pressure surges in the head.Physical therapy (PT).
Description: Guided exercise after surgery; balance and strength training if the cerebellum or brainstem were affected.
Purpose: Restore walking, balance, and endurance.
Mechanism: Neuroplasticity and muscle re-conditioning.Occupational therapy (OT).
Description: Train in daily activities (dressing, bathing, school, work tasks).
Purpose: Regain independence faster.
Mechanism: Task-based repetition strengthens safe movement patterns.Speech-language therapy.
Description: Work on speech, swallowing, or cognitive-communication if needed.
Purpose: Improve communication and safe eating.
Mechanism: Targeted drills build new neural routes and safe swallow strategies.Vision and vestibular rehab.
Description: Exercises for eye movements, balance, and dizziness.
Purpose: Reduce double vision or imbalance after posterior fossa surgery.
Mechanism: Retrains brain-eye-inner ear connections.Neuropsychology and school planning.
Description: Cognitive evaluation; create school accommodations (breaks, extra time).
Purpose: Support learning and memory while the brain recovers.
Mechanism: Tailors workload to current cognitive capacity.Psychological support for family.
Description: Counseling, peer groups, caregiver teaching.
Purpose: Lower anxiety and stress; improve adherence to care.
Mechanism: Coping skills and education.Headache hygiene.
Description: Regular meals, hydration, sleep schedule, and trigger tracking.
Purpose: Reduce headache frequency and severity.
Mechanism: Stabilizes brain’s pain pathways and fluid balance.Safe activity plan.
Description: Light to moderate physical activity as cleared by the surgeon; avoid contact sports until fully healed.
Purpose: Maintain fitness without head injury risk.
Mechanism: Activity boosts recovery hormones and mood but avoids impacts.Home safety setup.
Description: Bathroom grab bars, night lights, remove tripping hazards.
Purpose: Prevent falls after surgery or with balance issues.
Mechanism: Environmental control lowers accident risk.Shunt or ETV care education.
Description: Teach signs of shunt blockage or infection; provide an emergency plan.
Purpose: Catch complications early.
Mechanism: Quick recognition → rapid treatment.Nutrition pattern (see foods section below).
Description: Balanced diet with protein, fiber, and fluids.
Purpose: Maintain weight and wound healing; prevent constipation from medicines.
Mechanism: Gives building blocks for tissue repair.Nausea management strategies.
Description: Small, frequent meals; bland foods; ginger products if approved.
Purpose: Reduce vomiting from pressure or medications.
Mechanism: Soothes gut-brain signals for nausea.Sleep optimization.
Description: Consistent bedtime, dark room, limit screens before sleep.
Purpose: Improve daytime alertness and healing.
Mechanism: Stabilizes circadian rhythm and hormone release.Stress-reduction practices.
Description: Deep breathing, brief mindfulness sessions, prayer/faith practices if desired.
Purpose: Lower pain perception and anxiety.
Mechanism: Calms sympathetic nervous system.Infection prevention habits.
Description: Handwashing, wound care, updated vaccines (as advised by the team).
Purpose: Protects against shunt and surgical site infections.
Mechanism: Reduces germ exposure and boosts immune readiness.Regular follow-up imaging.
Description: Scheduled MRI scans after surgery.
Purpose: Detect early recurrence or shunt/ETV problems.
Mechanism: Imaging sees changes before symptoms appear.
Drug Treatments
Caution: Doses below are typical ranges to give context—not personal medical advice. Never start or change a medicine without your neurosurgeon/oncologist.
Dexamethasone (steroid).
Purpose: Shrinks brain swelling around the tumor to ease headache and vomiting.
Mechanism: Lowers inflammatory leakage in brain tissue (vasogenic edema).
Typical use: Short courses before/after surgery; often 2–4 times daily, then taper.
Common side effects: High blood sugar, mood changes, stomach upset, infection risk, sleep issues.Acetazolamide.
Purpose: Temporarily lower CSF production to reduce pressure.
Mechanism: Blocks carbonic anhydrase in choroid plexus cells.
Typical use: Daily or twice daily; weight-based in children.
Side effects: Tingling in fingers, metallic taste, kidney stones risk, low potassium.Furosemide.
Purpose: Can assist acetazolamide to reduce CSF and treat fluid overload.
Mechanism: Diuretic that promotes salt and water loss.
Typical use: Once or twice daily short term.
Side effects: Low potassium, dehydration, low blood pressure.Mannitol (hospital/OR use).
Purpose: Rapid intracranial pressure drop in emergencies.
Mechanism: Osmotic agent draws water out of brain tissue into blood.
Typical use: IV in the operating room or ICU as needed.
Side effects: Dehydration, electrolyte shifts, kidney stress.Hypertonic saline (hospital/OR use).
Purpose: Alternative to mannitol for high pressure.
Mechanism: Increases serum sodium to pull water out of brain tissue.
Typical use: Carefully monitored IV infusion or bolus.
Side effects: High sodium, fluid overload if over-treated.Levetiracetam (anti-seizure).
Purpose: Prevent or treat seizures before and after surgery.
Mechanism: Modulates synaptic neurotransmitter release.
Typical use: Twice daily; weight-based for children.
Side effects: Sleepiness, irritability or mood swings in some patients.Ondansetron (anti-nausea).
Purpose: Control nausea and vomiting from pressure, anesthesia, or medicines.
Mechanism: Blocks serotonin 5-HT3 receptors.
Typical use: As-needed tablets or IV in hospital.
Side effects: Headache, constipation.Proton-pump inhibitors or H2 blockers.
Purpose: Protect the stomach when using steroids.
Mechanism: Reduce stomach acid.
Typical use: Once daily during steroid course.
Side effects: Headache, low magnesium with very long use.Antibiotic prophylaxis (peri-operative).
Purpose: Reduce surgical site infection risk.
Mechanism: Short course around the time of surgery (e.g., cefazolin unless allergic).
Typical use: Given only around surgery.
Side effects: Allergy, stomach upset.Chemotherapy (rare for CPP; context-dependent).
Purpose: Not standard for Grade 1 CPP; considered mainly if tumor is atypical Grade 2, cannot be fully removed, recurs, or if pathology suggests higher-grade features. In CPC (Grade 3), chemo is standard.
Mechanism: Agents such as carboplatin, etoposide, vincristine, cyclophosphamide are used in protocols for high-grade choroid plexus tumors.
Side effects: Low blood counts, infection risk, nausea, hair loss; require specialized oncology care. PMCScienceDirect
Dietary Molecular Supplements
Important: Supplements do not treat or shrink CPP. They are optional, and some interact with medicines. Always clear them with your care team.
Vitamin D (e.g., 1000–2000 IU/day unless your doctor says otherwise).
Function: Supports bone, immune, and mood health; low vitamin D is common indoors.
Mechanism: Hormone-like actions on many tissues.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA, e.g., 1–2 g/day of combined EPA+DHA with food).
Function: May help inflammation balance and heart-brain health.
Mechanism: Competes with omega-6 fats in inflammatory pathways.Magnesium (dose per label, adjust for kidneys).
Function: Helps headaches, sleep, and constipation from medicines.
Mechanism: Calms NMDA receptors and smooth muscle.Melatonin (1–5 mg at bedtime).
Function: Supports sleep in hospital and after steroid tapers.
Mechanism: Regulates circadian rhythm.Probiotics (per label; pick well-studied strains).
Function: Gut comfort during stress, anesthesia, and antibiotics.
Mechanism: Balances microbiome; may reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea.B-complex (per label).
Function: Supports energy use and nerve health.
Mechanism: Co-factors in cellular metabolism.Coenzyme Q10 (100–200 mg/day with food).
Function: Mitochondrial support during rehabilitation.
Mechanism: Electron transport co-factor; antioxidant.Curcumin (standardized, with piperine unless contraindicated).
Function: Anti-inflammatory support; may help aches.
Mechanism: Modulates NF-κB pathways. Avoid near surgery without doctor’s okay (bleeding risk).Green-tea extract (EGCG, modest dose).
Function: Antioxidant support.
Mechanism: Polyphenols that scavenge free radicals. Check interactions with chemo; avoid high doses.Fiber supplements (psyllium or inulin, per label).
Function: Prevents constipation from pain meds and inactivity.
Mechanism: Increases stool bulk and softens stool.
Immune-booster / Regenerative / Stem-cell
There are no approved “stem-cell drugs” to treat CPP. Below are contexts you might hear about in oncology care; these are supportive or research-only, not routine CPP therapy. I explain each candidly.
Filgrastim (G-CSF) or pegfilgrastim.
Function: If a patient with higher-grade disease receives chemotherapy and the white count drops, these drugs speed white-cell recovery to reduce infection risk.
Mechanism: Stimulates bone marrow to make neutrophils.
Dose: Protocol-based, under oncology supervision only. (Not used if no chemo.)IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin).
Function: Rarely used to support immunity in patients with specific antibody deficiencies or recurrent infections after intensive therapy.
Mechanism: Provides pooled antibodies.
Dose: Weight-based infusion; specialist-only decision.Autologous stem-cell rescue (ASCR) after high-dose chemo.
Function: In some pediatric brain tumor protocols (not standard for CPP), very high-dose chemo is followed by reinfusion of the patient’s own stem cells to restore marrow.
Mechanism: “Rescues” blood formation after intensive chemo.
Dose: Not a drug; a procedure with strict protocols.Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).
Function: Treats chemo-related anemia in select settings.
Mechanism: Stimulates red-cell production.
Note: Use is restricted; in some cancers ESAs may raise risks, so oncologists weigh options carefully.Experimental neural stem-cell or mesenchymal cell trials.
Function: Research aims to deliver targeted therapies or support repair.
Mechanism: Cells may carry anti-tumor payloads or release trophic factors.
Dose: Clinical-trial only; not standard for CPP.Oncolytic viruses or immune checkpoint drugs.
Function: Experimental strategies to attack tumor cells or unmask them to the immune system.
Mechanism: Varies by agent; not standard for CPP.
Dose: Trial protocols only.
Surgical Procedures
Craniotomy with gross total resection (GTR).
What it is: The neurosurgeon safely opens the skull and enters the ventricle to remove the entire tumor. Approach depends on location (e.g., transcallosal or transcortical for lateral/third ventricle; suboccipital for fourth ventricle).
Why: This is the main treatment and is often curative for CPP if the whole tumor can be taken out. PMCEndoscopic tumor removal (selected cases).
What: A small endoscope through a tiny opening is used to remove smaller, favorably located tumors.
Why: Less invasive in the right anatomy; not suitable for all CPP due to bleeding risk.External ventricular drain (EVD).
What: A temporary tube drains CSF to relieve pressure during acute hydrocephalus or around surgery.
Why: Stabilizes pressure quickly and lets the team measure ICP.Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt.
What: A permanent thin tube diverts CSF from the ventricle to the abdomen.
Why: Used if hydrocephalus persists or recurs after tumor treatment.Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV).
What: A tiny opening is made in the floor of the third ventricle to bypass a blockage.
Why: An alternative to a shunt in certain blockage patterns.
Adjunct option: Pre-operative endovascular embolization may be considered at specialized centers for very vascular tumors to reduce bleeding risk; it can help in selected cases, but it is technically demanding and not always feasible. PMCThe Journal of NeurosciencePubMed
Adjuvant therapy context: If pathology shows atypical CPP and resection is incomplete or tumor recurs, radiation therapy may be discussed; chemotherapy is generally not used for classic CPP but is standard for CPC. PMCScienceDirect
Prevention Tips
There is no proven way to prevent CPP from forming. Prevention focuses on avoiding complications, staying safe, and catching problems early.
Know the red flags of raised intracranial pressure and seek care promptly (see next section).
Keep follow-up MRI appointments exactly as scheduled after surgery.
Learn shunt/ETV warning signs if you have one (fever, redness along the shunt, sudden headache, vomiting, drowsiness).
Protect the head (use helmets for bikes; avoid contact sports until your neurosurgeon says OK).
Prevent falls at home (good lighting, remove cords/rugs that trip you).
Stay on anti-seizure medicine as prescribed; never stop suddenly.
Keep vaccines current if your team approves, to lower infection risks.
Practice good wound care after surgery (clean, dry, watch for redness).
Manage constipation (fiber, fluids) to avoid straining that spikes pressure.
Healthy daily routine (sleep, hydration, balanced diet) to support healing.
When to See a Doctor Urgently
Headache that is severe, persistent, or worse in the morning.
Repeated vomiting not explained by stomach illness.
New drowsiness, confusion, or behavior change.
Sudden vision problems (double vision, blurry vision, “black-outs”).
Seizure or a first-time seizure.
Rapid head growth in an infant, a bulging soft spot, or “sun-setting” eyes.
Fever, redness, or pain along a shunt path or a shunt that you can feel has changed position.
Severe headache with stiff neck (concern for infection if a shunt or EVD is present).
What to Eat and What to Avoid
Eat protein at each meal (eggs, fish, lentils, yogurt, tofu) to support wound healing.
High-fiber foods daily (oats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables) to prevent constipation from pain meds.
Stay well-hydrated with water and oral rehydration drinks if vomiting.
Include potassium-rich foods (banana, potato, spinach) if your team says it’s safe, especially if on diuretics.
If on steroids, limit salt (processed foods, chips) to reduce swelling and blood pressure.
If on steroids, moderate sugars (sweets, sugary drinks) to avoid high blood sugar.
Avoid alcohol during recovery and while on anti-seizure or pain medicines.
Be careful with herbal blood thinners (high-dose turmeric, ginkgo, garlic) before surgery—ask your team first.
Watch grapefruit and Seville orange products if on certain anti-seizure meds (may alter drug levels).
Food safety matters (well-cooked meats, pasteurized dairy), especially if you ever need chemo or have a shunt infection risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CPP cancer?
CPP is usually not cancer. It is a benign tumor (Grade 1). A related tumor called choroid plexus carcinoma is cancer (Grade 3). The pathologist tells the difference. atlasgeneticsoncology.orgCan CPP make too much brain fluid?
Yes. CPP can overproduce CSF and/or block flow, causing hydrocephalus and pressure symptoms. NCBIWhat is the main treatment?
Surgery to remove the tumor is the key treatment. When surgeons remove the whole mass, cure rates are high for CPP. PMCWill my child need radiation or chemotherapy?
Usually no for classic CPP after complete removal. Radiation may be discussed if it is atypical CPP or if a piece could not be removed. Chemotherapy is mainly for CPC (the malignant form) or special situations. PMCScienceDirectIs the surgery risky?
All brain surgeries carry risks. CPPs are often very vascular (bleed easily), so experienced teams prepare carefully. In some centers, pre-operative embolization is considered to reduce bleeding in select cases. PMCThe Journal of NeuroscienceWill my child need a shunt?
Sometimes. If hydrocephalus persists after tumor removal, a VP shunt or ETV may be needed to keep CSF flowing normally.How often will MRI scans be needed afterward?
Your team sets a schedule (e.g., at 3–6 months, then yearly), based on the tumor type and how completely it was removed.What is the long-term outlook?
For CPP with full removal, outlook is usually excellent. Atypical CPP has a higher chance of coming back and needs closer follow-up. NCBICan CPP spread?
Classic CPP rarely spreads. Higher-grade tumors (especially CPC) can seed through CSF, which is why careful imaging and follow-up are important. ScienceDirectIs there a genetic test for CPP risk?
Most CPPs are not inherited. If there is a family history of multiple cancers or a known syndrome (like Li-Fraumeni), genetics referral may be offered. Cancer.govAre there lifestyle changes that prevent CPP?
No proven lifestyle prevention exists. Focus on early symptom recognition and post-operative safety.Do supplements treat CPP?
No. Supplements can support general health, but they do not cure tumors. Always check for interactions with your doctors.Will my child return to normal school?
Many children do, with temporary accommodations. Neuropsychology and school plans help smooth the transition.How do I know if the shunt is failing?
Watch for worsening headache, vomiting, sleepiness, fever, or redness over the shunt. Seek urgent care if these occur.What is the difference between CPP and CPC?
CPP is benign (Grade 1) and often cured by surgery. CPC is malignant (Grade 3) and needs surgery plus chemotherapy and/or radiation. Pathology defines which one it is. atlasgeneticsoncology.org
Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.
The article is written by Team RxHarun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members
Last Updated: August 15, 2025.
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