Metastatic Brain Tumors
The term metastatic tumor refers to tumor that has
spread to a distant location, away from the primary
tumor. Although some primary brain tumors can spread
either within the nervous system or outside the nervous
system, we will focus here on tumors that enter the
nervous system from the rest of the body.
The most common tumors that spread to the nervous system
are lung cancer, breast cancer, renal cell (kidney)
cancer, colon cancer and melanoma (skin cancer). This
is only a partial list, but it accounts for the majority
of metastatic brain tumors. The tumors can be single
or multiple. The incidence of metastatic brain tumors
is high and appears to be increasing. This increase
might be due to increased survival of cancer patients
in general, increased ability to discover these tumors
with CT and MRI
scans and a number of other factors relating to cancer
treatment. Even more information on metastatic
brain tumors.
Metastatic Brain Tumors Symptoms
The symptoms of metastatic brain tumors depend on their
location, number, rate of growth and amount of swelling
(edema). Increased pressure inside the head is common
with headache, nausea and vomiting. Stroke-like symptoms
can occur with strength or speech problems. Seizures
may also occur.
Metastatic Brain Tumors Diagnosis
As always, a careful history and physical examination
are the first steps in diagnosis. A CT
scan or better yet, an MRI
scan performed without and with intravenous contrast
enhancement is the next step. Frequently, a diagnosis
of cancer will already have been made. If, however,
there is no prior diagnosis, the patient will (if metastatic
disease is suspected) need to undergo a "primary
workup", usually under the direction of an oncologist
or the patients' primary doctor.
Metastatic Brain Tumors Treatment
The treatment of metastatic brain tumors is different
for each patient. Steroids are almost always started
to relieve some of the associated brain swelling (edema).
Open surgery followed by radiation
therapy and for some patients chemotherapy is often
recommended. More recently, patients are being treated
with stereotactic
radiosurgery as the primary method of treatment.
This is often the case in patients with multiple tumors.
Call 1-800-411-CINN or the location
nearest you between 8 AM and 5:30 PM Central
Time, Monday through Friday to schedule an initial consultation
with a CINN
physician.
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