Secondary Brain Tumors

Secondary brain tumors develop when cancer originates in other organs or tissues and spreads to the brain. These secondary, or metastatic, tumors are more common than primary brain tumors, which originate in the brain or surrounding tissues. A secondary brain tumor may be the first sign of cancer that began elsewhere in the body, or a patient with a history of cancer may be diagnosed with the secondary brain tumor after their initial diagnosis.

Types of Secondary Brain Tumors

Secondary brain tumors can originate from primary cancer present anywhere in the body. Some of the most common types of cancer to metastasize to the brain are:

  • Bladder
  • Breast
  • Colon
  • Kidney
  • Lung
  • Melanoma (skin cancer)
  • Neuroblastoma (cancer of the sympathetic nervous system, such as the adrenal glands)
  • Sarcoma (cancer of the connective tissue cells).

Detection and Diagnosis of Secondary Brain Tumors

A secondary brain tumor is usually discovered when a person experiences new brain tumor symptoms, such as:

  • Changes in sensation
  • Difficulty with balance or coordination
  • Emotional instability or personality changes
  • Headaches
  • Hearing, memory or vision problems
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Weakness or lethargy.

A doctor can use several tests to make a diagnosis, including:

  • Analysis of spinal fluid
  • Biopsy
  • CT exam, an X-ray of the brain using contrast material in the blood vessel
  • Imaging tests, including brain and spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Neurological examination
  • Tests to find primary cancer.

Treatment of Secondary Brain Tumors

Treatment for a secondary brain tumor depends on the location and type of tumor; surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are some options. If the brain is under excessive intracranial pressure, surgery may be necessary. During surgery, a doctor may remove the tumor and provide a sample of the tissue for a biopsy. This biopsy tissue can help to determine the primary source of the cancer if it is not already known. In addition, a shunt can divert excessive cerebrospinal fluid if the brain is under pressure.
If additional treatment is necessary after surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are common options to rid the body of cancerous cells. Immunotherapy with antibodies—with or without radioactive atoms—can also be administered directly into the tumor or systemically (throughout the body).
Radiation therapy is the most common treatment for secondary brain tumors, and newer treatment regimes include localized, higher doses of radiation. Successful treatment depends on many factors, including the:

  • Grade of the tumor
  • Location of the tumor
  • Number of tumors
  • Type of tumor.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Gastrointestinal Defects

Birth defects, also known as "congenital abnormalities," are structural defects in some part or system of the body that can affect the body's function. These congenital defects occur during fetal development, and are present in a baby from birth. Like other complex body systems, the gastrointestinal system (or digestive system), responsible for digestion and extracting nutrients from food, is vulnerable to congenital defects during its development. Healthy Gastrointestinal Tract Function The gastrointestinal system is made up of several organs, including the: Mouth Esophagus Stomach Small intestine: Duodenum, jejunum and ileum Large intestine: Cecum, colon, rectum and anus. In healthy people, food enters the mouth, and is chewed and swallowed, passing through the esophagus to the stomach. The stomach breaks down the food, then passes it into the intestines, where it is digested further, and particles from the food can be absorbed. Waste is stored in the r
Keep reading

Hypersomnia: An Overview

Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by sleeping too much, experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness or a combination of the two. Hypersomnia is not the same as feeling tired due to poor quality sleep or not getting enough sleep. Often, people with hypersomnia fall asleep suddenly throughout the day, a symptom the condition shares with narcolepsy. Symptoms of Hypersomnia Symptoms of hypersomnia often develop in adolescence or early adulthood. People with hypersomnia may sleep for up to 12 hours at a time, but still wake up feeling tired. Individuals may struggle to wake up after deep sleep and seem disoriented and confused. Hypersomnia often develops gradually, making it difficult for people to realize they are sleeping too much. Signs associated with hypersomnia include: Anxiety Headaches Irritation Loss of appetite Low energy levels Memory problems "Nap attacks" during the day Restlessness Sleeping too much Slow speech Slow thought proce
Keep reading

Irritable Bowel Disease Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a very common disorder that affects the functioning of the bowel. Although the severity of the condition (also occasionally called  spastic colon ) can vary considerably from one patient to another, typical characteristics include changes in bowel habits ranging from diarrhea to constipation, cramp-like pains, bloating and a feeling of "gassiness." For some sufferers, IBS is little more than a minor inconvenience; for others it can be totally disabling. In extreme cases, the patient is unable to travel, function in the workplace or enjoy socializing. Common Misconceptions Irritable bowel syndrome is not . . . an imaginary disease.  IBS has biological causes and biological symptoms and is certainly not a condition that is "all in your mind. " caused by other diseases  such as gallstones or ulcers. an infection , although it can sometimes be triggered by a bout of gastroenteritis or similar digestive system disorders. hereditary . a precursor to c
Keep reading