Brain Metastasis

What is Brain Metastasis?

Brain Metastasis in cancer cells, which have spread to the brain from other organs of the body. By other organs, we mean primary organs in your body, which are affected by the tumour. For example, a patient suffering from lung cancer can be prone to brain cancer (through Brain Metastasis). The cancer cells in the lung tissue can break down from original mass, and spread through the body to the brain. Growth in brain tumour cases (which are malignant) has been on the rise worldwide. Statistically, there are more than 500 new cases diagnosed every day.

The latest report by Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) estimates that India has 10% of worldwide brain tumour cases (10% of 3,00,000). By 2025, this figure is expected to increase five times. Brain cancer, as a result of Brain Metastasis, is even higher and more common among children and young adults (around 40 years).

Symptoms

These symptoms warn of immediate medical treatment when happening among cancer survivors. Depending upon the exact location of the tumour in the brain, a patient suffering from Brain Metastasis is likely to feel these symptoms:

  • Headaches, vomiting, or nausea.
  • The tumour growth pressure.
  • Loss of cognitive ability.
  • Behavioural changes.
  • Lack of body balance, or weakness in the body.
  • Speech problem, writing or drawing problems are also common signs.

Causes

It is difficult to tell for certain, as to what exactly causes this disease. According to some research, it is caused by:

  • Medical radiation
  • HIV or AIDS
  • Family history
  • Being overweight
  • Previous genetic conditions

Risks

The main risk factors of Brain Metastasis include:

  • Stress and anxiety.
  • Immune system disorders.
  • Inadequate mobile usage.
  • Radiation exposure.

Prevention

In order to prevent the occurrence of this disease, one should take care of certain things such as:

  • Avoiding excess usage of mobile phones, which might cause radiation.
  • Avoiding alcohol or drug consumption.
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

How is it diagnosed?

At Medanta, the following tests are done before deciding on the treatment plan, in order to detect the severity of the disease:

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How is it treated?

At Medanta, the specialist, taking into consideration various factors, undertakes the treatment procedures. It can be the health condition, age, and other cancer condition if any. 

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  • Medication

    Medicines are given as the first support therapy to manage the symptoms of Brain Metastasis. Medicines include corticosteroids which are used to reduce pressure and swelling in and around the brain. Sometimes, they are given alone or with radiation therapy, depending on the condition. Anti-seizure medications are also given by doctors to prevent its reoccurrence.

  • Surgery

    A person with a single Brain Metastasis can undergo a surgery, wherein it can be safely removed and the primary cancer is controlled. Clinical studies have shown that patients with single brain lesion can be treated with Brain Radiation Therapy and Surgery combined; except under certain special cases. With this combined treatment, patients have an increased life expectancy.

  • Brain Radiation Therapy

    The radiation therapy depends on the number of tumours. Patients, who have multiple Brain Metastasis, are given whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) and if the number of lesions is between 1 and 3, then stereotactic radiation therapy is given.

  • Chemotherapy

    It is used along with radiation therapy in very specific cases.

When do I contact the doctor?

If you begin to have severe headaches, experience major behavioural changes, speech problems and weakness in the body, it all gives you a clear sign of the worsening of your symptoms and then it's time to immediately see your doctor without any further delay.

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