BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuMetastatic brain tumorBrain tumor - metastatic (secondary); Cancer - brain tumor (metastatic)A metastatic brain tumor is cancer that started in another part of the body and has spread to the brain. Causes Many tumor or cancer types can spread to the brain. The most common are:Lung cancer Lung cancerSmall cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a fast-growing type of lung cancer. It spreads much more quickly than non-small cell lung cancer. There are two typ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Breast cancer Breast cancerBreast cancer is cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast. There are two main types of breast cancer:Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (du...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Melanoma MelanomaMelanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is also the rarest. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease. Other common types o...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Kidney cancer Kidney cancerRenal cell carcinoma is a type of kidney cancer that starts in the lining of very small tubes (tubules) in the kidney.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Colon cancer Colon cancerColorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). It is also sometimes simply called colon ca...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article LeukemiaLeukemiaLeukemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of the bones, where blood cells are ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Some types of cancer rarely spread to the brain, such as prostate cancer. In some cases, a tumor can spread to the brain from an unknown location. This is called cancer of unknown primary (CUP).Growing brain tumors can place pressure on nearby parts of the brain. Brain swelling due to these tumors also causes increased pressure within the skull.Pressure within the skullIncreased intracranial pressure is a rise in the pressure inside the skull that can result from or cause brain injury.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Brain tumors that spread are classified based on the location of the tumor in the brain, the type of tissue involved, and the original location of the tumor.Metastatic brain tumors occur in about one fourth (25%) of all cancers that spread through the body. They are much more common than primary brain tumors (tumors that start in the brain). Symptoms Symptoms may include any of the following:Decreased coordination, clumsiness, falls Decreased coordinationUncoordinated movement is due to a muscle control problem that causes an inability to coordinate movements. It leads to a jerky, unsteady, to-and-fr...Read Article Now Book Mark Article General ill feeling or fatigue General ill feelingMalaise is a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being.Read Article Now Book Mark Article FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Headache, new or more severe than usual HeadacheA headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Memory loss, poor judgment, difficulty solving problems Numbness, tingling, pain, and other changes in sensation Personality changes Rapid emotional changes or strange behaviors Seizures that are new SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Problems with speech Vision changes, double vision, decreased vision Vision changesThere are many types of eye problems and vision disturbances, such as: Halos Blurred vision (the loss of sharpness of vision and the inability to see...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Vomiting, with or without nausea Weakness of a body area Specific symptoms vary. Common symptoms of most types of metastatic brain tumors are caused by increased pressure in the brain. Exams and Tests An exam can show brain and nervous system changes based on where the tumor is in the brain. Signs of increased pressure in the skull are also common. Some tumors may not show signs until they are very large. Then, they can cause a very quick decline in nervous system function.The original (primary) tumor may be found by examining tumor tissues from the brain.Tests may include:Mammogram, CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to find the original tumor site MammogramA mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to evaluate some breast symptoms and to find breast cancer in women with no symptoms....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scansA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scan or MRI of the brain to confirm the diagnosis and identify the tumor location (MRI is usually more sensitive for finding tumors in the brain) MRI of the brainA head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Examination of tissue removed from the tumor during surgery or CT scan- or MRI-guided biopsy to confirm the type of tumor BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) Lumbar punctureCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Treatment depends on:The size and type of the tumor Location in the body from where it spread The person's general healthThe goals of treatment may be to relieve symptoms, improve functioning, or provide comfort.Whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) is often used to treat tumors that have spread to the brain, especially if there are many tumors, and surgery is not a good option.Surgery may be used when there is a single tumor and the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. Some tumors may be completely removed. Tumors that are deep or that extend into brain tissue may be reduced in size (debulked).Surgery may reduce pressure and relieve symptoms in cases when the tumor cannot be removed.Chemotherapy for metastatic brain tumors is usually not as helpful as surgery or radiation. Some types of tumors, though, do respond to chemotherapy.Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) may also be used. This form of radiation therapy focuses high-power x-rays on a small area of the brain. It is used when there are only a few metastatic tumors.Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a form of radiation therapy that focuses high-power energy on a small area of the body. Despite its name, radiosu...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Medicines for brain tumor symptoms include:Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin or levetiracetam to reduce or prevent seizures Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone to reduce brain swelling Pain medicinesWhen the cancer has spread, treatment may focus on relieving pain and other symptoms. This is called palliative or supportive care.PalliativePalliative care helps people with serious illnesses feel better by preventing or treating symptoms and side effects of disease and treatment....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Comfort measures, safety measures, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other treatments may improve the patient's quality of life. Some people may want to seek legal advice to help them create an advance directive and power of attorney for health care.Advance directiveWhen you are very ill or injured, you may not be able to make health care choices for yourself. If you are unable to speak for yourself, your health...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Support Groups You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone. Cancer support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on cancer:American Cancer Society -- www. cancer. orgAmerican Childhood Cancer Organiz...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) For many people with metastatic brain tumors, the cancer is not curable. It will eventually spread to other areas of the body. Prognosis depends on the type of tumor and how it responds to treatment. Possible Complications Health problems that may result include:Brain herniation (fatal) Loss of ability to function or care for self Loss of ability to interact Permanent, severe loss of nervous system function that gets worse over time When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your health care provider if you develop a persistent headache that is new or different for you.Call your provider or go to the emergency room if you or someone you know suddenly becomes sluggish or has vision changes, or speech impairment, or has seizures that are new or different.Open ReferencesReferencesDorsey JF, Salinas RD, Dang M, et al. Cancer of the central nervous system. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 63.Elder JB, Nahed BV, Linskey ME, Olson JJ. Congress of Neurological Surgeons systematic review and evidence-based guidelines on the role of emerging and investigational therapies for the treatment of adults with metastatic brain tumors. Neurosurgery. 2019;84(3):E201-E203. PMID: 30629215 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30629215/.National Cancer Institute website. Adult central nervous system tumors treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/brain/hp/adult-brain-treatment-pdq. Updated January 18, 2022. Accessed June 8, 2022.Olson JJ, Kalkanis SN, Ryken TC. Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines for the treatment of adults with metastatic brain tumors: executive summary. Neurosurgery. 2019;84(3):550-552. PMID: 30629218 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30629218/.Traylor JI, Rao G. Metastatic brain tumors. In: Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 169.AllVideoImagesTogBrain - illustration The major areas of the brain have one or more specific functions.BrainillustrationMRI of the brain - illustration An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain creates a detailed image of the complex structures in the brain. An MRI can give a three-dimensional depiction of the brain, making location of problems such as tumors or aneuryms more precise.MRI of the brainillustrationBrain - illustration The major areas of the brain have one or more specific functions.BrainillustrationMRI of the brain - illustration An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain creates a detailed image of the complex structures in the brain. An MRI can give a three-dimensional depiction of the brain, making location of problems such as tumors or aneuryms more precise.MRI of the brainillustrationA Closer Look Brain tumors - primary - InDepth(In-Depth)Brain cancer(Alt. Medicine) Tests for Metastatic brain tumor Cerebral angiographyRelated Information Brain tumor - children(Condition)Lung cancer - small cell(Condition)Breast cancer(Condition)Melanoma(Condition)Renal cell carcinoma(Condition)Increased intracranial pressure(Condition)Brain herniation(Condition)Brain surgery(Surgery)Radiation therapy - questions to ask your doctor(Doctor Questions)Brain radiation - discharge(Discharge)Brain surgery - discharge(Discharge)Brain tumors - primary - InDepth(In-Depth)Breast cancer - InDepth(In-Depth)Melanoma and other skin cancers - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 1/25/2022 Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. 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Metastatic brain tumorBrain tumor - metastatic (secondary); Cancer - brain tumor (metastatic)A metastatic brain tumor is cancer that started in another part of the body and has spread to the brain. Causes Many tumor or cancer types can spread to the brain. The most common are:Lung cancer Lung cancerSmall cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a fast-growing type of lung cancer. It spreads much more quickly than non-small cell lung cancer. There are two typ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Breast cancer Breast cancerBreast cancer is cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast. There are two main types of breast cancer:Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (du...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Melanoma MelanomaMelanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is also the rarest. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease. Other common types o...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Kidney cancer Kidney cancerRenal cell carcinoma is a type of kidney cancer that starts in the lining of very small tubes (tubules) in the kidney.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Colon cancer Colon cancerColorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). It is also sometimes simply called colon ca...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article LeukemiaLeukemiaLeukemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of the bones, where blood cells are ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Some types of cancer rarely spread to the brain, such as prostate cancer. In some cases, a tumor can spread to the brain from an unknown location. This is called cancer of unknown primary (CUP).Growing brain tumors can place pressure on nearby parts of the brain. Brain swelling due to these tumors also causes increased pressure within the skull.Pressure within the skullIncreased intracranial pressure is a rise in the pressure inside the skull that can result from or cause brain injury.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Brain tumors that spread are classified based on the location of the tumor in the brain, the type of tissue involved, and the original location of the tumor.Metastatic brain tumors occur in about one fourth (25%) of all cancers that spread through the body. They are much more common than primary brain tumors (tumors that start in the brain). Symptoms Symptoms may include any of the following:Decreased coordination, clumsiness, falls Decreased coordinationUncoordinated movement is due to a muscle control problem that causes an inability to coordinate movements. It leads to a jerky, unsteady, to-and-fr...Read Article Now Book Mark Article General ill feeling or fatigue General ill feelingMalaise is a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being.Read Article Now Book Mark Article FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Headache, new or more severe than usual HeadacheA headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Memory loss, poor judgment, difficulty solving problems Numbness, tingling, pain, and other changes in sensation Personality changes Rapid emotional changes or strange behaviors Seizures that are new SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Problems with speech Vision changes, double vision, decreased vision Vision changesThere are many types of eye problems and vision disturbances, such as: Halos Blurred vision (the loss of sharpness of vision and the inability to see...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Vomiting, with or without nausea Weakness of a body area Specific symptoms vary. Common symptoms of most types of metastatic brain tumors are caused by increased pressure in the brain. Exams and Tests An exam can show brain and nervous system changes based on where the tumor is in the brain. Signs of increased pressure in the skull are also common. Some tumors may not show signs until they are very large. Then, they can cause a very quick decline in nervous system function.The original (primary) tumor may be found by examining tumor tissues from the brain.Tests may include:Mammogram, CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to find the original tumor site MammogramA mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to evaluate some breast symptoms and to find breast cancer in women with no symptoms....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scansA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scan or MRI of the brain to confirm the diagnosis and identify the tumor location (MRI is usually more sensitive for finding tumors in the brain) MRI of the brainA head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Examination of tissue removed from the tumor during surgery or CT scan- or MRI-guided biopsy to confirm the type of tumor BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) Lumbar punctureCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Treatment depends on:The size and type of the tumor Location in the body from where it spread The person's general healthThe goals of treatment may be to relieve symptoms, improve functioning, or provide comfort.Whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) is often used to treat tumors that have spread to the brain, especially if there are many tumors, and surgery is not a good option.Surgery may be used when there is a single tumor and the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. Some tumors may be completely removed. Tumors that are deep or that extend into brain tissue may be reduced in size (debulked).Surgery may reduce pressure and relieve symptoms in cases when the tumor cannot be removed.Chemotherapy for metastatic brain tumors is usually not as helpful as surgery or radiation. Some types of tumors, though, do respond to chemotherapy.Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) may also be used. This form of radiation therapy focuses high-power x-rays on a small area of the brain. It is used when there are only a few metastatic tumors.Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a form of radiation therapy that focuses high-power energy on a small area of the body. Despite its name, radiosu...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Medicines for brain tumor symptoms include:Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin or levetiracetam to reduce or prevent seizures Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone to reduce brain swelling Pain medicinesWhen the cancer has spread, treatment may focus on relieving pain and other symptoms. This is called palliative or supportive care.PalliativePalliative care helps people with serious illnesses feel better by preventing or treating symptoms and side effects of disease and treatment....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Comfort measures, safety measures, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other treatments may improve the patient's quality of life. Some people may want to seek legal advice to help them create an advance directive and power of attorney for health care.Advance directiveWhen you are very ill or injured, you may not be able to make health care choices for yourself. If you are unable to speak for yourself, your health...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Support Groups You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone. Cancer support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on cancer:American Cancer Society -- www. cancer. orgAmerican Childhood Cancer Organiz...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) For many people with metastatic brain tumors, the cancer is not curable. It will eventually spread to other areas of the body. Prognosis depends on the type of tumor and how it responds to treatment. Possible Complications Health problems that may result include:Brain herniation (fatal) Loss of ability to function or care for self Loss of ability to interact Permanent, severe loss of nervous system function that gets worse over time When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your health care provider if you develop a persistent headache that is new or different for you.Call your provider or go to the emergency room if you or someone you know suddenly becomes sluggish or has vision changes, or speech impairment, or has seizures that are new or different.Open ReferencesReferencesDorsey JF, Salinas RD, Dang M, et al. Cancer of the central nervous system. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 63.Elder JB, Nahed BV, Linskey ME, Olson JJ. Congress of Neurological Surgeons systematic review and evidence-based guidelines on the role of emerging and investigational therapies for the treatment of adults with metastatic brain tumors. Neurosurgery. 2019;84(3):E201-E203. PMID: 30629215 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30629215/.National Cancer Institute website. Adult central nervous system tumors treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/brain/hp/adult-brain-treatment-pdq. Updated January 18, 2022. Accessed June 8, 2022.Olson JJ, Kalkanis SN, Ryken TC. Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines for the treatment of adults with metastatic brain tumors: executive summary. Neurosurgery. 2019;84(3):550-552. PMID: 30629218 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30629218/.Traylor JI, Rao G. Metastatic brain tumors. In: Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 169.