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Contents of this page: | |
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Alternative names Return to top
Brain tumor - secondary; Brain tumor - metastatic; Cancer - brain tumor (secondary)Definition Return to top
A metastatic brain tumor is a mass of cancerous cells in the brain that have spread from another part of the body.
The term "metastatic" means it has spread. The original source of the cancer is called the primary tumor. Cells from the primary tumor have traveled in the bloodstream (metastasized) and lodged in the brain.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Many tumor or cancer types can spread to the brain, the most common being lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, certain sarcomas, testicular and germ cell tumors, and a number of others. Some types of cancers only spread to the brain infrequently, such as colon cancer, or very rarely, such as prostate cancer.
Brain tumors can directly destroy brain cells, or they may indirectly damage cells by producing inflammation, compressing other parts of the brain as the tumor grows, inducing brain swelling, and causing increased pressure within the skull.
Metastatic brain tumors are classified depending on the exact site of the tumor within the brain, type of tissue involved, original location of the tumor, and other factors. Infrequently, a tumor can spread to the brain, yet the original site or location of the tumor is unknown. This is called cancer of unknown primary (CUP) origin.
Metastatic brain tumors occur in about one-fourth of all cancers that metastasize (spread through the body). They are much more common than primary brain tumors. They occur in approximately 10-30% of adult cancers.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
An examination reveals neurologic changes that are specific to the location of the tumor. Signs of increased pressure within the skull are also common. Some tumors may not show symptoms until they are very large. Then, they suddenly cause rapid decline in the person's neurologic functioning.
The original (primary) tumor may already be known, or it may be discovered after an examination of tumor tissues from the brain indicates that it is a metastatic type of tumor.
Treatment Return to top
Treatment depending on the size and type of the tumor, the initial site of the tumor, and the general health of the person. The goals of treatment may be relief of symptoms, improved functioning, or comfort.
Surgery may be used for metastatic brain tumors when there is a single lesion and when there is no cancer elsewhere in the body. Some may be completely removed. Tumors that are deep or that infiltrate brain tissue may be debulked (removing much of the tumor's mass to reduce its size).
Surgery may reduce pressure and relieve symptoms in cases when the tumor cannot be removed. Radiation therapy may be advised for tumors that are sensitive to radiation.
Medications may include the following:
Support Groups Return to top
For additional information, see cancer resources.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
In general, the probable outcome is fairly poor. For many people with metastatic brain tumors, the cancer spreads to other areas of the body. Death often occurs within 2 years.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you develop a persistent headache that is new or different for you.
Call your provider or go to the emergency room if you or someone else suddenly develops stupor, vision changes, or speech impairment, or has seizures that are new or different.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |