Brain metastases

These are metastases of other types of cancer inside the skull and are a sign that the disease is in an advanced stage.

1 May 2021 | 5 Min. Reading Time

Overview

These are metastases of other types of cancer inside the skull and are a sign that the disease is in an advanced stage. The symptoms are the same as for other brain tumours, i.e. headaches, vomiting or visual disturbances. However, these tend to get worse more quickly. Preventive measures include those that minimise the risk of the original tumour, e.g. to stop smoking.

Symptoms

General

The symptoms are the same as for other brain tumours
Tendency to progress rapidly
Metastases are a sign of advanced cancer

Symptoms

Headaches
- Early and persistent symptom
Seizures (epileptic seizures)
Dizziness, nausea and vomiting
Sensory disturbances (numbness, tingling)
Disturbance of balance, unsteady gait
Hearing problems, noise in the ears
Visual impairment
Speech disorders (anomia, slurred speech)
Psychological changes
- Personality changes
- Decline in mental powers

Causes and treatment

Causes

Tumours that spread through the bloodstream to form metastases in the brain:

Bronchial carcinoma (most common place of origin, accounts for 50% of brain metastases)
Breast cancer (second most common cause)
Melanoma
Kidney cancer
Less often: prostate cancer, other types of cancer

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

Nerve function test (neurostatus)
Ophthalmoscopy (examination of optic nerve)
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
Search for and examination of the original tumour

Possible therapies

Palliative approach (improvement of quality of life)
Treatment of original tumour
Operation (for a single brain metastasis)
Radiation (for multiple brain metastases)
Medication/chemotherapy

Prognosis

Unfortunately, chances of recovery are slim
Many patients suffer and die from consequences of the original tumour

What can I do myself?

Regular preventive examinations
Take note of physical warning signs (see below) and don't delay going to the doctor
Stop smoking

When to see a doctor?

Headaches
- Frequent and recurring
- Sudden and very severe (sign of a burst aneurysm)
- Constantly growing stronger
Seizure
Visual impairment
Balance disturbances and gait abnormalities
Sensory disturbances, signs of paralysis
Severe vomiting, vomiting on an empty stomach
Drop in performance, increasingly tired
Change in state of consciousness (e.g. disorientation, fainting)
Change in speech and personality
Blood in stools, urine or sputum