What is brain metastasis?
Brain metastasis occurs when cancer cells from one area of the body spread to the brain. Cancer cells can spread and multiply from one tumor or several. Once cancer spreads to the brain, it often requires surgery to treat.
Tumors put pressure on the brain, which can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms, including headaches and even personality changes.
What are the symptoms of brain metastasis?
The brain is a highly complex organ that controls nearly all of your body’s most basic functions, such as thought and memory. How tumors affect your brain depends on their severity and location. Some tumors can grow unnoticed for years, while others cause more noticeable symptoms.
Common signs of brain metastasis include:
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Irritability
- Personality changes
- Seizures
If you currently have cancer or received treatment in the past and are currently experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your physician for further investigation.
What causes brain metastasis?
Metastatic cancer typically spreads from its original location through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Metastasis can occur with any type of cancer, but it’s more common with:
- Skin cancer
- Brain cancer
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Colon cancer
Having the above conditions doesn’t mean you will definitely develop metastatic cancer. However, you should always monitor your condition and contact your doctor if you experience any changes to your health.
How is brain metastasis diagnosed?
Diagnosing brain metastases typically requires several exams and tests, including a neurological exam to assess your balance, vision, and coordination.
Next, your provider at Academy of Neurosurgical Physicians may recommend imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), or positron emission tomography (PET) scans. You may also need blood work to rule out other conditions.
What are the treatments for brain metastasis?
Depending on the size and location of your tumor or tumors, you may be a candidate for surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible to restore your function, mobility, and quality of life. How the team at Academy of Neurosurgical Physicians perform your surgery varies depending on your unique case.
Your neurological surgeon strives to ensure your surgery is as minimally invasive as possible. Endoscopic surgery, which your surgeon performs through small incisions and a camera, can cause fewer complications and a faster recovery period than open surgery.
To learn more about brain metastasis, call Academy of Neurosurgical Physicians or schedule an appointment online now.
