Brain metastases

Brain metastases are tumors that have spread to the brain from a primary cancer located elsewhere in the body — most often, from the lung, breast, colon/gastrointestinal tract, skin (melanoma), or kidney, although almost any cancer can spread to the brain. Brain metastases are now more widely recognized as more cancer treatments, particularly with immunotherapy, are available and improved responses are being observed. 

Brain metastases symptoms are a result of the pressure the tumor is putting on the brain. Though not all patients will experience symptoms, the possibilities include: 

• Headaches 
• Nausea and/or vomiting 
• Seizures 
• Vision difficulties 
• Weakness, difficulty moving and/or paralysis 
• Cognitive impairment (speech, focus, memory) 
• Fatigue 

Brain metastases originate at another cancer site within the body, then spread by the bloodstream or lymphatics system. Most brain metastases stem from lung cancer, but other possible origin sites include the breast, melanoma (skin), renal (kidney) and GI (gastrointestinal tumors like colon cancer). Treatment options will depend on the origin of cancer, as different tissue cells will respond better to some therapies over others, but the treatment of brain metastases will require some form of radiation with or without surgery. 

To confirm brain metastases diagnosis, a doctor may order diagnostic imaging to visualize the tumor. Primarily, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used, but in some cases, a doctor may collect computed tomography (CT), or positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Surgical biopsy or surgical resection is sometimes necessary to determine the tumor’s origin, which can influence the treatment path.