Metastatic Brain Tumors

What is a Metastatic Brain Tumor?

Overview

Metastatic brain tumors, also known as secondary brain tumors, are tumors that have spread to the brain from cancer originating in another part of the body. They occur in 10–30% of cancer patients. These tumors most commonly spread from lung, breast, skin (melanoma), colon, kidney (renal), and thyroid cancers, traveling through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to reach the brain.

Metastatic brain tumors are more common than primary brain tumors, occurring 5–10 times more frequently and accounting for the majority of brain malignancies. Once in the brain, cancer cells can form new tumors and interfere with normal brain function.

In the United States, with over a million new cancer patients diagnosed each year, 100,000–300,000 will develop brain metastases. Coordinating “brain-directed” treatments with therapy for the primary cancer is essential. Advances in tumor genetic profiling, targeted drugs, immunotherapies, and clinical trials are expanding treatment options. Surgery also provides valuable tumor tissue for genetic testing to guide therapy.

Who is Affected?

Anyone with a history of cancer can develop brain metastases. They are most common in adults between ages 40 and 70, and especially in patients with lung cancer, breast cancer, or melanoma. Improvements in cancer treatment mean that more patients are living longer, which has also led to a higher incidence of metastatic brain tumors.

Metastatic Brain Tumor Symptomsrn& Causes

Symptoms

The symptoms and presentation of metastatic brain tumors can vary depending on the size, number, and location of the tumors. The specific symptoms experienced by an individual will depend on the regions of the brain affected by the metastatic tumors.

Common symptoms may include:

• Headaches (often worse in the morning)
• Seizures
• Changes in cognitive function or personality
• Motor or sensory deficits
• Visual disturbances
• Coordination problems

Causes

Metastatic brain tumors are caused when cancer cells from a primary tumor spread to the brain through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. The likelihood of brain metastases depends on the cancer type, stage, and duration of disease.

When to See a Doctor

You should seek medical attention if you experience new or worsening neurological symptoms such as persistent headaches, seizures, vision changes, weakness, or confusion — particularly if you have a history of cancer.

Metastatic Brain Tumor Diagnosis

Diagnosing metastatic brain tumors usually involves a combination of imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans, to visualize the tumors and determine their size, location, and number.

Additional tests, including a detailed medical history, physical examination, and analysis of the primary cancer, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.

Metastatic Brain Tumor Treatment & Outcomes

Treatment Options

The initial treatment of metastatic brain tumors is typically focused radiation (radiosurgery) and/or surgical removal depending upon the type, size, location and number of metastases. Treatment of the cancer in the body needs to be coordinated with “brain-directed” therapies in a targeted and precise fashion.

Patient Outcomes

Outcomes vary depending on the type of primary cancer, number of brain metastases, overall health, and treatment response. With modern therapies, many patients achieve improved symptom control and extended survival. Multidisciplinary care is essential for optimal outcomes.

Managing A Metastatic Brain Tumor

Patients with metastatic brain tumors often benefit from supportive care in addition to tumor treatment. This may include:

• Medications to reduce brain swelling (steroids).
• Anti-seizure drugs.
• Physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
• Palliative care and counseling for symptom management and emotional support.

Meet our Expert Specialists & Surgeons

Garni Barkhoudarian, MD

Neurosurgery

Jose Carrillo, MD

Neuro-Oncology

Adi Iyer, MD, MS

Neurosurgery, Neuro-interventional Surgery

Daniel F. Kelly, MD

Neurosurgery

Nouzhan Sehati, MD

Neurosurgery

Naveed Wagle, MD

Neuro-Oncology

Walavan Sivakumar, MD

Neurosurgery

Shanthi Gowrinathan, MD

Psycho-oncology

Experience Compassionate, Expert Care

Optimal personalized treatment of patients with metastatic brain tumors requires a team approach of medical and neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists and neurosurgeons, as well as advanced brain imaging and tumor genetic profiling.

At Pacific Neuroscience Institute’s Brain Tumor Center we incorporate leading-edge technology such as MRI fiber tractography, functional MRI, surgical navigation, awake craniotomy protocols, and high-definition endoscopy, with proven surgical experience, to make metastatic tumor surgery safer, less invasive and more effective.

We also have a large experience in the radiosurgical treatment and comprehensive care of all types of brain metastases. Our metastatic brain tumor surgeons work closely with our radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, neuro-oncologists and neuropathologists to design the optimal treatment plan.

Learn More About a MetastaticrnBrain Tumor

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