Metastatic brain cancer, also known as “secondary brain cancer,” is a serious diagnosis that requires prompt action. It originates in other parts of the body and spreads to the brain, causing neurological symptoms. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Early detection is crucial for the best prognosis.
Metastatic brain cancer is a form of cancer that originates in other parts of the body and spreads to the brain. Historically, brain metastases have been fatal in most cases, due to the delicacy involved in treating brain tumors. Advances in cancer treatment and neurosurgery have increased the survival rate for people with metastatic brain cancer, but it is still a very serious diagnosis that requires prompt action for the best prognosis.
For cancer to reach the brain, it has to pass through the bloodstream. Lung cancers are particularly prone to metastasize to the brain, although other types of cancer, including bladder and breast cancer, can also spread to the brain. Because the tumor originates in other parts of the body, rather than in the brain itself, metastatic brain cancer is sometimes referred to as “secondary brain cancer.” Metastatic brain cancer is about 10 times more likely to develop than a tumor that develops independently in the brain.
People with metastatic brain cancer generally develop neurological symptoms, the nature of which can vary, depending on the location of the cancer. Slurred speech, confusion, poor coordination, memory loss, vision problems, and loss of speech can occur with metastatic brain cancer. Patients who experience these symptoms will typically be asked to undergo medical imaging studies so that doctors can see what is going on inside the brain, and these studies will reveal the presence of a tumor.
There are several treatment approaches for metastatic brain cancer. In some cases, the tumor can be removed, which will relieve pressure on the brain and reduce the risk of spreading. After the surgery, the patient may undergo chemotherapy or radiation to kill the rogue cancer cells. In other cases, surgery may not be an option, in which case targeted radiation therapy or whole-brain radiation therapy will be used in an attempt to stop the tumor from growing.
Left untreated, metastatic brain cancer can be fatal within weeks. This cancer moves quickly and aggressively, which is why it’s important to see a doctor for neurological symptoms in the early stages so a cancer can be identified before it has a chance to spread further. People with cancer are often particularly alert to the possibility of the cancer spreading, and their routine medical checkups may include screening for early signs of metastasis.
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