Brain Metastases
Brain metastases are tumors that form when cancer cells spread to the brain from another part of the body, such as the lung, breast, or skin. They are more common than tumors that start in the brain itself.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms can include headaches, seizures, weakness, difficulty with balance or coordination, or changes in memory, speech, or personality.
Causes & Risk Factors
Brain metastases develop when cancer cells travel through the bloodstream from an original (primary) cancer elsewhere in the body. Certain cancers, including lung and breast cancer and melanoma, are more likely to spread to the brain.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made with brain imaging (MRI), typically in a patient with a known cancer diagnosis, though sometimes a brain metastasis is the first sign of an undiagnosed cancer.
Treatment Options
Treatment is coordinated with oncology and radiation specialists and may include surgery, radiation therapy, or medication, depending on the number and location of the tumors and the primary cancer type.
This information is for general education and isn’t a diagnosis or medical advice. To find out what’s right for you, request an appointment or call 810-262-7030.