Brain metastases

Brain metastases are cancer cells located in the brain tissue, which originate from malignant tumors outside the brain. They get to the head through blood, nerve fluid and lymph.

What are brain metastases?

Brain metastases belong to the cancer tumors which have developed in the brain tissue as metastases of other types of cancer. This means that brain metastases have their origin in another tumor that is not in the brain.

The original tumor is also known as the primary tumor. This can release cancer cells into the blood or lymphatic system, for example, and thereby produce a spread. Malignant cells can get into the brain, settle there and cause a brain metastasis to develop.

In addition, tumor cells can be spread via the nerve water and thus reach the meninges in the brain or in the spinal canal. In general, the diagnosis of brain metastases is viewed as a symptom that another tumor disease has already reached the advanced stage.

causes

The cause of Brain metastases are malignant tumors which cause daughter tumors to develop in the brain. In principle, every tumor has the ability to spread. About a quarter of these diseases are based on causative bronchial carcinoma or lung cancer.

Furthermore, types of tumors such as breast cancer, black skin cancer and kidney cancer often form daughter tumors in the brain, so that brain metastases develop. Brain metastases can thus be clearly differentiated from a primary brain tumor that arose directly from the brain tissue and was not spread into the brain by another tumor outside the brain.

In order to better research the cause of the brain metastases, a tissue sample is taken from the tumor. This is analyzed by a pathologist. It provides information on where the tumor causing the brain metastases is located.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

The symptoms caused by brain metastases can vary widely. This is explained by the fact that different areas of the brain can be affected depending on the specific location of the brain metastases. Depending on this, those affected are also restricted in other functions. A general sign of possible brain metastases should always be unexplained headaches.

Headaches that persist for a long time, occur again and again, especially in the morning after waking up or generally when lying down, can also indicate changes in the brain. Another characteristic of pain caused by brain metastases is that they often do not respond at all or only very poorly to conventional painkillers. Motor changes such as sudden clumsiness, problems with walking or the like should be clarified by a doctor.

Problems with the language can be of various kinds: Sudden difficulties in finding the right words or a generally unclear pronunciation that has been newly identified can provide an initial indication of brain metastases. Most importantly, because metastases tend to increase in size, quickly investigate any symptoms that increase in magnitude. This can be an indication that the brain metastases are taking up more space in the brain and the symptoms are increasing accordingly.

Diagnosis & course

If you suspect Brain metastases Imaging techniques are often used for diagnosis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance tomography provide informative images of the affected region.

The course of the brain metastases is mostly independent of the further development of the primary tumor. However, the development of brain metastases worsens the prognosis for the original cancer. How long the survival time depends on the number of metastases in the brain and the treatment.

In general, however, the prognosis is unfavorable. Without therapy, the patient usually only survives a few weeks. Radiation can extend the survival time to several months. Only in the case of brain metastases, which have arisen from a spread of a tumor in the testes, does a combined therapy of radiation and chemotherapy promise a satisfactory course.

Complications

Brain metastasis is a very serious disease that causes death in many patients. As a rule, the probability of survival also depends on the onset of treatment, so that early diagnosis and treatment are extremely important for the further course of the disease and the complications. The increased pressure in the brain leads to severe headaches.

These headaches often spread to other regions of the body and can lead to feelings of pressure or pain there. The patient suffers from severe convulsions and also from disorders of consciousness. It is possible that certain thought processes are disturbed and it is not uncommon for a coordination disorder to occur. The everyday life and quality of life of the patient are considerably restricted by the brain metastases.

The treatment of brain metastases is done with the help of radiation therapy or surgical interventions. There are no further complications with the treatment itself. However, it cannot be generally predicted whether the person will be completely healthy after treatment. Life expectancy may be reduced due to the brain metastases. Without treatment, the patient will die prematurely.

When should you go to the doctor?

A doctor's visit is necessary as soon as the person concerned notices abnormalities inside the head. If a headache, a pulling sensation in the head or pressure under the skull occurs, a doctor should be consulted. If the hairlines are painful, skin changes occur or attention problems arise, this should be examined. If the symptoms increase in scope or intensity, a doctor is required. In the event of convulsions, disorders of consciousness or a loss of consciousness, there is an urgent need for action.

A doctor should be consulted as soon as the eyes flicker repeatedly or visual impairments set in. A doctor is also required in the event of impaired hearing or irritation of balance. If there are speech or mobility problems, there is cause for concern. Sleep disturbances, general malaise, or feelings of illness should be examined and treated if they persist for several weeks.

A drop in normal performance levels, fluctuations in mood, or changes in personality are considered unusual and should be investigated further. A doctor is required in the event of behavioral problems, memory disorders or orientation problems. If the person concerned suffers from severe tiredness, irregularities in the regulation of emotions or coordination problems, this indicates inconsistencies that should be investigated. Social withdrawal behavior, dizziness or paralysis of the face must be clarified by a doctor.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

are Brain metastases Once diagnosed, doctors from different specialties usually work together. These include neurologists, neurosurgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and radiation therapists. You are developing a treatment for the brain metastases and the original tumor.

The first step in treatment is usually the administration of highly effective corticosteroids, which work against the symptoms of the edema. However, since the effect is not long-term, further therapeutic measures are initiated. The neurosurgeon can remove individual brain metastases with the help of a surgical procedure. This form of treatment is particularly useful if the cancer has not been relapsed for a long time.

Furthermore, an operation can only take place if the patient is in sufficient physical condition. If a large number of brain metastases have been discovered, radiation therapy of the entire head is carried out. This is to relieve the discomfort. Chemotherapy is used to cure the underlying disease.

Sometimes chemotherapy alone is possible for brain metastases. However, this is often used in combination with radiation therapy. With chemotherapy, it is important to consider which type of cancer has spread the metastases to the brain. This is the only way for the cytostatics to effectively combat brain metastases.

Outlook & forecast

Brain metastases are the result of an existing cancer. That is why the prognosis is very different and depends on various factors. These include the type of cancer, its duration and its course so far, the general condition of the patient, the previous tolerability of the cancer therapy and the question of whether further metastases outside the brain have occurred.

As a rule, however, metastases of any kind mean that the prognosis will worsen because the cancer has already reached a high stage. Brain metastases in particular are critical because, depending on where they are, they may no longer be able to be removed by surgery. The risks of damaging (life) important functions would be too great. At best, surgical removal is possible so that treatment can then be continued with chemotherapy or radiation. Often these are only life-prolonging measures, the prospect of a complete cure is slim.

With brain metastases, there is also a risk of severe symptoms. Depending on the location and growth of the tumor, it can lead to a number of different symptoms and malfunctions in the body, including language and movement disorders, failure of the sensory organs or, in the worst case, impairment of the functions of vital organs. These can be very stressful and, in the worst case, life-threatening for those affected, which is why this factor also influences the prognosis of brain metastases.

prevention

There are no specific measures to prevent it Brain metastases. As with other cancers, unnecessary radiation and contact with carcinogenic substances should be avoided. Furthermore, the risk of cancer can be reduced through a healthy lifestyle, a low-fat diet, regular exercise and avoiding alcohol and nicotine. This also reduces the risk of brain metastases.

Aftercare

In the case of brain metastases, the person affected generally has no options or measures for follow-up care. In most cases, the brain metastases cannot be completely treated, so that this disease always leads to a reduced life expectancy for the person affected. The earlier this tumor is detected, the better the further course of the disease is usually.

Therefore, a doctor should be consulted at the first symptoms or signs. The brain metastases can be treated by taking various medications. The person concerned is dependent on the correct dosage and regular intake in order to properly treat the tumor. A doctor should always be contacted first if you have any questions or if anything is unclear.

The support and loving care of one's own family and friends is also very important with this disease, as it can prevent psychological upsets or even depression. This is especially the case when chemotherapy is required. In the event of a surgical procedure, the person affected should definitely rest after the procedure and take care of their body.

You can do that yourself

Brain metastases can have a direct impact on how people cope with everyday life. Many sufferers report symptoms that they can perceive directly and that sometimes have a negative impact on everyday life. Unfortunately, there is no way of getting rid of brain metastases yourself, so close monitoring and medically prescribed therapy, such as chemotherapy, is necessary. However, there are many ways to make everyday life with brain metastases a little easier and safer.

Since, as with many illnesses, the psyche and psychological well-being also play a major role here, it is helpful to know one or more people you trust nearby if the problems can no longer be overcome. Some tasks that could only be completed a short time ago are now unsolvable problems.

Physical relief can be achieved by measures that strengthen the immune system, which is often heavily stressed by chemotherapy, but these should also be selected in close consultation with the doctor. Food supplements as well as cures or psychological support are conceivable here.

If balance problems or dizziness attacks occur, the person affected should no longer leave the house alone, if possible, but only with an accompanying person. This can also provide important help when lifting and carrying, for example shopping. Suitable walking aids ensure more safety.