A Metastatic brain tumor is cancer that started in another part of the body and spread to the brain.
Some brain metastases major cause may originate from:
– Bladder cancer
– Breast cancer
– Certain sarcomans
– Germ cell tumors
– Kidney cancer
– Leukimia
– Lung cancer
– Lymphoma
– Melanoma
However, in some cases, some types of cancer such as colon and prostate cancer has a really low chance to spread to the brain. In other rare cases, a tumor can spread to the brain from unknown location; this is called cancer of unknown origin (CUP).
Growing brain tumors may place pressure on nearby parts of the brain, resulting in brain swelling which causes increased pressure within the skull that will lead to brain injury. Metastatic brain tumors occur in about 25% of all cancers that spread through the body.
Symptoms
Brain metastases symptoms may include:
– Decreased coordination, clumsiness and falling down
– Fever
– Ill feeling or lethargy
– Headaches – intensity may increase than previous
– Memory loss, poor judgement, difficulty solving problems
– Numbness, tingling, pain and changes in sensation
– Personality changes
– Rapid emotional changes or strange behaviours
– Seizures
– Speech difficulties
– Vision changes (double vision, decreased vision)
– Vomiting (may include nausea)
– Weakness of a body area
However, the most common symptoms for brain metastases can be felt by increased pressure in the brain.
Examinations and tests
Neurologic examination can show brain and nervous system changes based on where the tumor is in the brain. A sign of increased pressure in the skull is a common indication of brain metastases however; some tumors may not show any signs until they grew very large. Further examination can also be performed by examining tumor tissue samples from the brain.
Tests include:
– Cerebral angiography
– Chest X-ray; mammogram; CT Scans of the chest, abdomen and pelvis to find the original tumor location
– CT scan or MRI of the brain to identify and diagnosis the tumor location
– Electroencephalogram (EEG)
– Tissue examination from the tumor during surgery or CT scan guided biopsy to confirm the tumor type
– Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
Brain metastases treatment with Gamma Knife
More than 200,000 patients with brain metastases have been treated with Gamma Knife Radiosurgery worldwide. Studies have shown that stereotactic radiosurgery has better results in comparison to a whole brain radiation therapy. Gamma Knife Centre Indonesia’s Gamma Knife is designed for fast, efficient treatment for brain metastases cases. No other technologies are able to treat multiple targets in the brain with the same speed, accuracy and outcome as Gamma Knife Perfexion, the latest and most advanced Gamma Knife technology in Indonesia and neighboring countries.
Possible Complications if not treated
– Brain herniation (fatal)
– Loss of ability to function or care for self
– Loss of ability to interact
– Permanent, severe loss of nervous system function that gets worse over time
How do I know if Gamma Knife Treatment is right for me?
Complete the contact form or call Gamma Knife Centre Indonesia (+62-21-5460055 extension 2421/2422, +6281295100080) to set up consultation and receive more information.
