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Metastatic brain tumor

Brain tumor - metastatic (secondary); Cancer - brain tumor (metastatic)

 

A metastatic brain tumor is cancer that started in another part of the body and has spread to the brain.

Causes

 

Many tumor or cancer types can spread to the brain. The most common are:

  • Bladder cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Germ cell tumors, such as Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor
  • Kidney cancer
  • Leukemia
  • Lung cancer
  • Melanoma

Some types of cancer rarely spread to the brain, such as colon cancer and prostate cancer. In other rare cases, a tumor can spread to the brain from an unknown location. This is called cancer of unknown primary (CUP) origin.

Growing brain tumors can place pressure on nearby parts of the brain. Brain swelling due to these tumors also causes increased pressure within the skull .

Brain tumors that spread are classified based on the location of the tumor in the brain, the type of tissue involved, the original location of the tumor, and other factors. In rare cases, doctors do not know the original location. This is called cancer of unknown primary (CUP) origin.

Metastatic brain tumors occur in about one fourth (25%) of all cancers that spread through the body. They are much more common than primary brain tumors (tumors that start in the brain).

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms may include any of the following:

  • Decreased coordination , clumsiness, falls
  • Fever (sometimes)
  • General ill feeling or fatigue
  • Headache , new or more severe than usual
  • Memory loss, poor judgment, difficulty solving problems
  • Numbness, tingling, pain, and other changes in sensation
  • Personality changes
  • Rapid emotional changes or strange behaviors
  • Seizures that are new
  • Problems with speech
  • Vision changes , double vision, decreased vision
  • Vomiting , with or without nausea
  • Weakness of a body area

Specific symptoms vary. Common symptoms of most types of metastatic brain tumors are caused by increased pressure in the brain.

 

Exams and Tests

 

An exam can show brain and nervous system changes based on where the tumor is in the brain. Signs of increased pressure in the skull are also common. Some tumors may not show signs until they are very large. Then, they can cause a very quick decline in nervous system function.

The original (primary) tumor may be found by examining tumor tissues from the brain.

Tests may include:

  • Chest x-ray , mammogram , CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to find the original tumor site
  • CT scan or MRI of the brain to confirm the diagnosis and identify the tumor location (MRI is usually more sensitive for finding tumors in the brain)
  • Examination of tissue removed from the tumor during surgery or CT scan-guided biopsy to confirm the type of tumor
  • Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)

 

Treatment

 

Treatment depends on the size and type of the tumor, from where in the body it spread, and the person's general health. The goals of treatment may be to relieve symptoms, improve functioning, or provide comfort.

Radiation to the whole brain is often used to treat tumors that have spread to the brain, especially if there are many tumors.

Surgery may be used when there is a single tumor and the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. Some tumors may be completely removed. Tumors that are deep or that extend into brain tissue may be reduced in size (debulked).

Surgery may reduce pressure and relieve symptoms in cases when the tumor cannot be removed.

Chemotherapy for metastatic brain tumors is usually not as helpful as surgery or radiation. Some types of tumors, though, do respond to chemotherapy.

Stereotactic radiosurgery may also be used. This form of radiation therapy focuses high-power x-rays on a small area of the brain. It is used when there are only a few tumors.

Medicines for brain tumor symptoms include:

  • Antacids or antihistamines to control stress ulcers
  • Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin or levetiracetam to reduce or prevent seizures
  • Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone to reduce brain swelling
  • Osmotic diuretics such as urea or mannitol to reduce brain swelling
  • Pain medicines

When the cancer has spread, treatment may focus on relieving pain and other symptoms. This is called palliative or supportive care.

Comfort measures, safety measures, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other treatments may improve the patient's quality of life. Some people may want to seek legal advice to help them create an advance directive and power of attorney for health care.

 

Support Groups

 

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group . Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

For many people with metastatic brain tumors, the cancer is not curable. It will eventually spread to other areas of the body. Prognosis depends on the type of tumor and how it responds to treatment.

 

Possible Complications

 

Health problems that may result include:

  • Brain herniation (fatal)
  • Loss of ability to function or care for self
  • Loss of ability to interact
  • Permanent, severe loss of nervous system function that gets worse over time

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

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 you know suddenly becomes sluggish or has vision changes, or speech impairment, or has seizures that are new or different.

 

 

Open References

References

Dorsey JF, Hollander AB, Alonso-Basanta M, et al. Cancer of the central nervous system. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, et al, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2014:chap 66.

Ferri FF. Brain metastases. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2016 . Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:240-241.

National Cancer Institute: PDQ adult brain tumors treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Date last modified: January 27, 2016. cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/adultbrain/HealthProfessional . Accessed March 17, 2016.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: central nervous system cancers. Version 1.2015. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/cns.pdf . Accessed March 17, 2016.

 
  • Brain

    Brain - illustration

    The major areas of the brain have one or more specific functions.

    Brain

    illustration

    • Brain

      Brain - illustration

      The major areas of the brain have one or more specific functions.

      Brain

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

    Talking to your MD

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Metastatic brain tumor

         
         

        Review Date: 2/12/2016

        Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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