Metastasis to the Brain

What Is Brain Metastasis?

Brain metastases occur when cancer cells from another part of the body spread to the brain. These are considered secondary brain tumors, and they are five times more common than primary brain tumors.

Common Primary Cancers That Spread to the Brain

Lung cancer
Breast cancer
Melanoma (skin cancer)
Colon cancer
Kidney cancer
Thyroid cancer

Symptoms of Brain Metastases

Symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s size, location, and number:

Headaches (often worsening over time)
Seizures
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Vision changes or double vision
Difficulty speaking or understanding language
Memory loss or confusion
Personality or mood changes
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of balance or coordination.

Cancer cells can travel to the brain through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Risk increases with:

Age (especially over 45)
Advanced stages of cancer
Certain aggressive cancer types.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

MRI or CT scans
PET scans
Neurological exams
Biopsy (in select cases)

reatment Options

1. Medications

Steroids (e.g., dexamethasone) to reduce brain swelling
Anti-seizure drugs for seizure control [Brain meta…ayo Clinic]

2. Surgery

Used for single, accessible tumors
Helps relieve pressure and improve symptoms [Brain Meta…cer Center]

3. Radiation Therapy

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for precise targeting
Whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) for multiple tumors
Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for shaped targeting [Brain Meta…cer Center]

4. Systemic Therapies

Targeted therapy and immunotherapy (especially for cancers like melanoma or lung cancer)
Some newer drugs can cross the blood-brain barrier

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Call us at (561) 433-4444 to schedule a consultation or make an appointment.
Let our experienced doctors help you manage brain metastases and improve your quality of life.