Metastatic Brain Tumors

Metastatic brain tumors occur when cancer cells originating elsewhere in the body spread in the brain. Metastatic brain tumors are also known as secondary brain tumors. These tumors usually occur in the last stage of cancer tumors in other body parts. Metastatic brain tumors may show different symptoms depending on a particular type of cancer, and their treatment may differ from other types of cancer. A cancer tumor must be present for the formation of metastatic brain tumors, but other causes are not fully known. Doctors can prevent these tumors from forming by diagnosing and treating tumors early to prevent cancer cells from spreading throughout the body.

In this article, the points about what metastatic brain tumors are and their treatment will be explained under the following headings:

• What is a brain tumor?
• How is the diagnosis of metastatic brain tumor made?
• How do metastatic brain tumors occur?
• What is the treatment for metastatic brain tumors?

What is a Brain Tumor?

The brain is one of the most important organs in our body. It is a tissue composed of nerve cells and is the center of the nervous system. Control of all functions in the body takes place in the brain. The brain moves, makes us think, controls our speech and emotions. It also contains our memory. Cancer that develops in the brain or originates from a different point prevents the development of many functions in the brain. This cancer is called a brain tumor.

How is the diagnosis of metastatic brain tumor made?

The diagnosis of metastatic brain tumors is usually made by a doctor based on a person's signs and symptoms, medical history, and physical exam. Doctors may do some of the following tests to evaluate the course of the disease:

• X-ray: This test is used to view areas where cancer cells have spread.
• Computed tomography (CT): This test is used to view the internal structure of the body in detail.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MR): This test is used to view the internal structure of the body in detail and more clearly.
• Brain scan: This test is used to determine the size and location of tumors found in the brain.
• Brain biopsy: This test is used to determine the type of tumor by taking a sample of tumor tissue from the brain.

The results of these tests help doctors diagnose a metastatic brain tumor.

How Do Metastatic Brain Tumors Occur?

Cancer may develop due to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in organs other than the brain in the body. Cancer cells that develop in different organs can spread to the brain through the bloodstream or lymphatic system in the body. These cells can attach to the brain and grow there to form tumors. Metastatic brain tumors occur when cancer cells from another organ settle in the brain.

What are the symptoms of metastatic brain tumors?

Metastatic brain tumors may show different symptoms depending on a particular type of cancer. As with primary brain tumors, there are symptoms depending on the location, size and spread rate. In these symptoms; In addition to visual disturbances, impaired pupillary movements may occur. Speech difficulties occur with the deterioration of the movements of the tongue. Because the symptoms of metastatic brain tumors are often similar to other health problems, they require accurate diagnosis and regular doctor check-ups.

What is the Treatment for Metastatic Brain Tumors?

In the treatment of metastatic brain tumors, surgical applications, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are applied depending on the formation and location of the cancer. Because metastatic brain tumors are common, surgical removal of all tumors may not be possible. For this reason, it may be necessary to use radiotherapy to kill cancer cells. Radiotherapy can slow the growth of tumors and reduce symptoms. Chemotherapy is also used in the treatment of metastatic brain tumors as another method that prevents the proliferation of cancer cells and stops their spread.

What are the surgical steps of metastatic brain tumors?

Surgery for metastatic brain tumors is the surgical removal of tumors found in the brain. It is usually implemented by following the steps below:

• Before starting the operation, the patient is given general anesthesia.
• Access is made through the nostril or nasal cavity for brain surgery.
• Doctors reach the area where the tumors are located and surgically remove the tumors. Brain tissue can be damaged during this procedure, and doctors properly replant the brain tissue to repair these damages.
• After the operation, the patient is admitted in the intensive care unit and the recovery process is followed. Surgical intervention can be an effective method to slow the course of the disease and reduce the symptoms.
• After the operation, the patient may have symptoms such as pain, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can be controlled and treated by doctors. After the surgery, the patient should continue regular doctor checks and report his symptoms to his doctor. In this way, doctors can follow the patient's condition and apply the necessary treatment methods.