Metastatic Brain Tumor Surgery

Metastatic cancer typically becomes apparent only after primary cancer has progressed to a late stage. By this point, the patient is already exhibiting symptoms caused by the primary cancer.

Common symptoms indicating that cancer has metastasized to the brain, or the presence of a metastatic brain tumor, may include:

• Frequent and severe headaches
• Seizures
• Weakness or numbness in the limbs
• Loss of balance
• Memory difficulties
• Speech and language problems
• Unexplained changes in behavior
• Altered personality
• Vision and hearing issues

Metastatic cancer develops when cancer cells break away from the primary tumor and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system. These systems then carry the malignant cells to different areas of the body, where they can form new tumors. This typically happens when cancer has advanced to a late stage.

Metastatic Brain Tumors are typically diagnosed after symptoms appear.

The diagnostic methods used are similar to those for primary brain tumors and include:

• Physical examination of the patient
• Thorough assessment of the patients medical history
• Computed Tomography (CT scan)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Biopsy, involving the collection and examination of a tissue sample from the brain

In majority of cases, Metastatic Brain Tumors can be effectively managed with proper treatment and care.

The common treatment methods available include:

Surgery: The goal is to remove the tumor or a part of it to alleviate pressure within the skull. This can be done transnasally or through an incision in the skull, known as a craniotomy.

Radiation Therapy: Used as a primary treatment for small tumors or in combination with other treatments. It may be administered to shrink the tumor before surgery or to eliminate any remaining cancer cells post-surgery.

Chemotherapy: Involves using special drugs to kill cancer cells and reduce the tumor’s size.

Immunotherapy: Aims to alter the patient’s immune response, enhancing its ability to combat cancer.