Metastatic Brain Cancer

What is metastatic brain cancer?

Metastatic brain cancer, also known as secondary brain cancer, occurs when cancer cells spread to the brain from another part of the body. This process is called metastasis. The cancer cells travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to reach the brain. Metastatic brain tumors are more common than primary brain tumors, which originate in the brain itself. Certain types of primary cancers are more likely to spread to the brain. These include breast, kidney, lung and melanoma (a type of skin cancer).

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What are the signs and symptoms of metastatic brain cancer?

The signs and symptoms of metastatic brain cancer can vary widely, depending on the size, number and location of tumors. Common warning signs can include:
 

• Headaches that are often more severe in the morning, and can be accompanied by nausea or vomiting
• New onset seizures
• Cognitive changes, such as memory problems, confusion, difficulty concentrating, or changes in behavior and personality
• Weakness or numbness in one side of the body, difficulty with balance and coordination, and problems with walking
• Vision problems, including double vision or loss of vision
• Changes in the ability to smell or hear
• Problems with speaking, understanding language, reading or writing
• Extreme tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest
• Difficulty swallowing

 
These symptoms can develop slowly over time or come on suddenly, depending on the speed of tumor growth and the pressure it exerts on the brain. It’s essential to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment if you experience any of these symptoms.

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How is metastatic brain cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosing metastatic cancer begins with a physical examination so that your doctor can evaluate the symptoms you are experiencing and discuss your health history in detail.
A combination of diagnostic tools allows healthcare providers to accurately diagnose metastatic brain cancer, determine the extent of the disease and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
 
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the most common imaging test used, provides detailed images of the brain and can detect the presence of cancerous cells or areas of damaged tissue. Computed tomography (CT) scans can also help to identify brain metastases.
 
In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample for examination under a microscope. Other diagnostic tests may include lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to examine cerebrospinal fluid for cancer cells, as well as blood tests. A neurocognitive assessment can also help to evaluate the impact of brain metastases on cognitive function and guide treatment planning.

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What causes metastatic brain cancer?

The causes of metastatic brain cancer are primarily related to the original or primary cancer that has metastasized to the brain. Breast, kidney and lung cancers and melanoma (a type of skin cancer) are more likely to spread to the brain. In some cases, treatments for primary cancer may not eliminate all cancer cells. Surviving cancer cells can then spread to other parts of the body, including the brain.
 
Some cancer cells have properties that make them more likely to invade other tissues and spread to distant organs like the brain. Cancer cells can travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system from the original tumor site to the brain. Once they reach the brain, they can form new tumors. If the immune system is weakened or if the cancer cells develop mechanisms to evade immune detection, the risk of metastasis increases. Researchers continue to study the molecular and genetic factors that contribute to metastasis to improve outcomes for patients with this condition.

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Is metastatic brain cancer genetic?

Metastatic brain cancer itself is not typically considered a genetic condition, as it is not inherited or passed down through families. While some cancers can have a hereditary component, meaning that an individual might inherit a predisposition to developing certain types of cancer, the metastasis to the brain is usually a result of the cancer’s progression and the genetic instability of the cancer cells rather than a direct inherited genetic trait.
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Is metastatic brain cancer curable?

Treatment for metastatic brain cancer focuses on managing symptoms, slowing the progression of the disease and enhancing the patient’s quality of life. While treatments can sometimes lead to long-term remission, a complete cure is rare.
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How is metastatic brain cancer treated at FCS?

Each patient and each cancer is unique. At FCS, physicians develop a personalized treatment plan in partnership with patients. Treatment options for metastatic brain cancer depend on a number of factors, including the specific type and stage of cancer, possible side effects, and the patient’s overall health and personal preference.
Common treatment options can include:
 

• Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible
• Radiation therapy to target and kill cancer cells in the brain
• Chemotherapy to shrink or kill cancerous cells
• Targeted therapy drugs that target specific characteristics of cancer cells
• Immunotherapy that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer

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What are common risk factors for metastatic brain cancer?

Since metastatic brain cancer occurs when cancer cells spread to the brain from primary tumors in other parts of the body, having one of the types of cancer that are more likely to spread to the brain, such as breast, kidney, lung and melanoma (skin cancer), is the main risk factor. Advanced stages of primary cancers have a higher risk of metastasizing to the brain. Patients who have undergone treatment for cancer may have an increased risk of metastasis, depending on the type and extent of treatment received. Metastatic brain cancer can occur at any age, but the risk increases with age. Some genetic mutations and hereditary conditions can increase the risk of developing primary cancers that might metastasize to the brain. A weakened immune system, whether due to immune-suppressing medications, certain diseases (like HIV/AIDS), or other factors, can increase the risk of metastasis.

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Are there screening tests for metastatic brain cancer?

There is not a routine screening test for the general population. If a patient has or has had a known primary cancer, especially one that commonly spreads to the brain (like breast, kidney, lung or melanoma), doctors may monitor for metastasis using various methods.
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