The discovery of a brain metastasis on top of an existing cancer diagnosis can be difficult news. But understanding and recognizing the common symptoms is crucial for early detection.
Early detection of brain metastases is crucial for several reasons:
- Better treatment outcomes: Early intervention can lead to more effective treatment options.
- Symptom management: Addressing symptoms before they worsen can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.
- Prolonged survival: In some cases, early treatment can extend life expectancy.
What Are Brain Metastases?
A brain metastasis occurs when cancer cells from other parts of the body spread to the brain. This can happen through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. Once in the brain, these cells multiply and form tumors.
Unlike primary brain tumors, which originate in the brain itself, metastatic brain tumors start somewhere else. The most common cancers that spread to the brain are:
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Melanoma
- Kidney cancer
- Colorectal cancer
How Common Are Brain Metastases?
Brain metastases are relatively common among cancer patients. According to the American Brain Tumor Association, approximately 10% to 30% of adult cancer patients develop brain metastases. Lung cancer accounts for nearly half of these cases, followed by breast cancer and melanoma. That makes it so important for cancer patients to understand the symptoms and seek timely medical intervention.
Symptoms and Causes of Brain Metastases
Brain metastases can present a variety of symptoms, which may vary depending on the tumor’s location and size.
Common symptoms include:
- Headaches: Often the first sign, these headaches can be severe and persistent, sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Seizures: New-onset seizures in an adult with cancer may indicate brain metastases.
- Cognitive changes: Memory loss, confusion and difficulty concentrating are all potential signs.
- Motor skills impairment: Weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the body can indicate the presence of a tumor.
- Speech difficulties: Trouble speaking or understanding language may arise if the tumor affects specific brain areas.
Diagnosis of Brain Metastases
Diagnosing brain metastases typically involves several steps. Initial assessments may include medical history and physical exam, and imaging tests such as a CT, MRI, or PET scan. These scans will help rule out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms such as primary brain tumors, infections, stroke, or hemorrhage.
Treatment of Brain Metastases
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is an alternative radiation treatment that can effectively target the individual metastases in the brain and minimize the dose of radiation to healthy, normal brain tissue. Utilizing focused beams of gamma radiation, it can target and destroy tumor cells with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This technique offers an alternative to conventional surgery, often resulting in fewer complications and a shorter recovery period. Gamma Knife Radiosurgery can significantly reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and in some cases, extend survival for patients with brain metastases.
Clinical trials are another treatment option for those who may not be a candidate for surgery. The Valley Hospital offers clinical trials as a pivotal treatment option for brain metastases, providing access to advanced therapies. These trials allow a multidisciplinary team to deliver personalized care and contribute to research that may improve future treatment outcomes.
Contact Us
If you’d like to learn more about treatment options for brain metastases or find out if you’re a candidate for Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, call 201-634-5610.
