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Metastatic brain tumors form from cancer cells that began elsewhere in the body, and are often called secondary brain tumors. The cancer cells break off from the primary tumor and enter the bloodstream or lymph system to travel throughout the body. Metastatic brain tumors can develop from cancer in any area of the body, such as the lung, breast, colon, kidney, or skin (melanoma).
Approximately 10 percent of all cancer cases will spread, or metastasize, to the brain. In Colorado, it’s estimated that approximately 20,000 new cases of metastatic brain tumors will be diagnosed this year.
The incidence of metastatic brain tumors is highest in those over age 65, but begins to increase at age 45. The rate of metastasis depends on the type of primary cancer. For example, malignant melanoma (skin cancer) metastasizes in nearly 50 percent of people — and more commonly in men than women — while digestive system cancers spread to the brain in fewer than 10 percent of patients.
Metastatic brain tumors are rarely diagnosed before the primary cancer cause is identified. Brain cancer is typically found during a brain scan (CT or MRI) that is ordered when a cancer patient exhibits neurological symptoms such as:
To determine the best treatment approach, doctors assess the growth and development of metastatic brain tumors based on:
The three main types of treatment are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Steroids and antiseizure medications may also be used to help control symptoms.
The best treatment option for your metastatic brain tumor(s) depends on many factors. Your doctor will help you make this decision based on:
You also will want to discuss the goals of your treatment:
Treating Metastatic Brain Tumors with Gamma Knife
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