Definition

Brain metastases are tumours that spread to the brain from cancers elsewhere in the body, such as lung, breast, melanoma, or kidney.

Prevalence

More common than primary brain tumours. Occur in up to 20–40% of cancer patients.

Symptoms

• Headaches

• Seizures

• Weakness or paralysis

• Speech or vision changes

• Cognitive decline

• Nausea or vomiting

Diagnosis

• MRI with contrast

• CT scan for acute symptoms

• PET or body imaging to identify primary cancer

• Biopsy if diagnosis unclear

Treatment Options

• Steroids to reduce swelling

• Surgical removal of accessible single lesions

• Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)

• Whole-brain radiation in select cases

• Systemic treatments depending on primary cancer

• Ongoing MRI surveillance