What is Metastatic Brain Tumor

Metastatic brain tumor is a collection of cancer cells that develop somewhere else in the body and then spread (metastasize) to the brain and grow there. In most cases, the cancer will also have spread to other areas of the body.

In most cases, the first (primary) cancer was found and treated, but treatment did not prevent the cancer cells from spreading. Signs and symptoms of metastatic brain tumor may occur months or even years after treatment for the primary cancer. In very rare cases, these symptoms may be the first sign of the primary cancer.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by cancer. Among men, the most common cause of metastatic brain tumor is lung cancer. Among women, the most common cause is breast cancer. Other kinds of cancer can also cause this condition, including:

• Cancer of the skin (melanoma).
• Cancer of the large intestine.
• Cancer of the kidney.
• Cancer of the prostate.

What increases the risk?

You are more likely to develop this condition if you have or have had cancer.

What are the signs or symptoms?

The symptoms of a metastatic brain tumor are related to the location of the tumor within the brain and may include:

• Headache. This is often the first symptom.
• Stiff neck.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.
• Avoidance of light (photophobia).
• Loss of consciousness (coma).
• Loss of hearing.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Changes in how you think or act.
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in part of your body.
• Jerky movements you cannot control (seizures).
• Problems with balance and walking.
• Clumsiness.
• Changes in speech or vision, such as blurred vision.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• Your medical history.
• Your symptoms.
• A physical exam.
• A test of your nerves and reflexes (neurological exam).
• Blood tests to check for substances that indicate the presence of cancer (tumor markers).
• Imaging studies of your brain, such as:
  • MRI.
  • CT scan.
  • PET scan.
• A biopsy. This means that a small piece of brain tissue is removed and examined under a microscope.

You may need to work with a health care provider who specializes in cancer treatment (oncologist).

How is this treated?

Treatment depends on the type of cancer you have and your overall health. It also depends on the size and location of your tumor(s). The most common treatments include:

• Medicines to help control pain, nausea, and seizures.
• Medicines that kill cancer cells (chemotherapy).
• X-ray treatment to kill cancer cells (radiation).
• A type of radiation therapy that is targeted to exact locations in the brain (stereotactic radiotherapy).
• Surgery to remove brain tumors.
• Occupational and physical therapy.

A combination of chemotherapy and radiation may be used.

Follow these instructions at home:

Eating and drinking

• Be sure to get enough calories and protein in your diet.
• If you have a poor appetite or nausea, eat small meals often.
• If directed by your health care provider, supplement your diet with protein shakes or milk shakes.

Activity

• Exercise regularly as told by your health care provider. Take two 10-minute walks every day, if you are able.
• If recommended, use assistive devices such as a cane or walker to help you with walking. Ask to meet with a physical therapist to help you with instructions and equipment you might need.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Ask your health care provider if it is safe for you to drive.
  • Do not drive if you cannot see or think clearly.
  • Do not drive or use heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicine.
  • Do not drive if you have recently had a seizure. Check with your health care provider about laws that regulate when to drive after a seizure.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Know what side effects of treatment to watch for. Keep records of all your treatments.
• Install grab bars and railings in your home to prevent falls.
• It is common to have anxiety and depression when you are coping with cancer. To help relieve anxiety or depression:
  • Talk to friends and loved ones about your feelings.
  • Have a good support system at home.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have chills or a fever.
• Your medicine is not controlling your symptoms.
• Your symptoms get worse or you develop new symptoms.
• You have side effects from treatment.
• You are unsteady or have fallen at home.
• You are having trouble caring for yourself or being cared for at home.
• You feel confused, anxious, or depressed.

Get help right away if:

• You have a seizure.
• You cannot stop vomiting.
• You cannot keep down any foods or fluids.
• You have sudden changes in speech or vision.
• You can no longer take care of yourself at home.
• You have any symptoms that are severe or do not get better with treatment.

Summary

• A metastatic brain tumor is a collection of cancer cells that develop somewhere else in the body and then spread to the brain and grow there. In most cases, the cancer will have also spread to other areas of the body.
• Treatment depends on the type of cancer you have and your overall health. It also depends on the size and location of your tumor(s).
• Contact your health care provider if you have a seizure or have any symptoms that are severe or do not get better with treatment.