What is the metastatic brain cancer?
Metastatic brain cancer is a form of cancer that comes from elsewhere in the body and spreads to the brain. Historically, brain metastases were fatal in most cases due to the delicacy involved in the treatment of brain cancer. Advances in the treatment of cancer and neurosurgery have increased the survival rate in people with metastatic brain cancer, but it is still a very serious diagnosis that requires rapid action for the best prognosis.
In order for cancer to travel to the brain, it must pass through the blood section. Lung cancer are particularly susceptible to metastasis to the brain, although other types of cancer, including bladder and breast cancer, can spread to the brain. Because the tumor comes elsewhere in the body, rather than in the brain itself, the metastatic brain cancer is sometimes also referred to as "secondary brain cancer". It is about 10 times more likely to develop metastatic brain cancer than for a tumor to form independent in the brain.
People with metastatic brain cancer generally develop a neurological symptomy, a nature that may vary depending on the location of the cancer. In the metastatic brain cancer, carefree speech, confusion, poor coordination, memory loss, vision problems and speech loss may occur. Patients with these symptoms will generally be asked to undergo medical imaging studies so that doctors can see what is happening inside the brain, and these studies reveal the presence of a tumor.
There are several treatment approaches to brain metastatic cancer. In some cases, a tumor can be removed to reduce the pressure on the brain and reduce the risk of spreading. After surgery, the patient may undergo chemotherapy or radiation to kill dishonest cancer cells. In other cases, surgery may not be a possibility, in which case targeted radiation therapy or whole grain radiitherapy will be used in an effort to prevent tumor growth.
untreated, metastatic brain cancer mcan be fatal in weeks. This cancer moves quickly and aggressively, so it is important to see doctors about neurological symptoms in the early stages, so the tumor can be identified before it has a chance to spread further. People with cancer are often particularly readiness to spread cancer and their routine medical controls may include screening for early signs of metastasis.