Metastatic brain tumours, also known as brain metastases, are cancerous tumours in the brain. Metastatic brain tumours are different than other types of brain tumours in that they spread to the brain from other parts of the body rather than originating in the brain itself. Brain metastases can form from spreading cancer in any part of the body, but internal organs such as the lungs, colon, and kidneys are the most common.
It is important to have brain metastases diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible. The longer brain metastases go untreated, the more likely it is that additional tumours will form in the brain. As the tumours spread and grow, they will put pressure on the brain and surrounding tissue, causing dangerous and painful symptoms.
In its early stages, brain metastases may not cause many noticeable signs and symptoms. It is not until the tumour or tumours grow large enough to apply pressure on the brain that symptoms are noticeable. When this happens, here are some of the symptoms you may experience.
It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these signs and symptoms. This is especially true if you have cancer in another part of the body that has the potential to spread.
Brain metastases are cancerous tumours that spread to the brain from other parts of the body. This usually happens via the bloodstream or lymph nodes. While spreading is the only known cause of brain metastases, what causes the cancer originally is unknown. It is also unknown why cancer spreads to the brain in some people but not others.
There are, however, some types of cancer that are more likely to spread to the brain than others, such as:
If you have any of these types of cancer, it is important to have yourself checked for brain metastases.
In most cases, if your doctor suspects a chance of brain metastases, they will ask you about your physical symptoms. If you have any of the symptoms above and you have another form of cancer, further testing will be necessary. Further testing can include:
Imaging tests and a biopsy are the most surefire way to diagnose brain metastases.
There is no way to prevent brain metastases, and there is also no exact cure. However, there are treatments that can help eradicate brain tumours from the body and give you a chance at living a full and normal life.
The first treatment option for brain metastases is to have the tumours surgically removed. In addition to surgery, you will likely need chemotherapy or radiation therapy to get rid of any cancer that gets left behind. There are also additional treatments, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy, that target cancer cells for destruction and boost the immune system.
Successfully treating brain metastases relies on early detection and an aggressive treatment plan. Remember, if you have brain metastases, it means you have cancer somewhere else in your body. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the original cancer as you are treating your metastatic brain tumours.