Once an individual has received a metastasized cancer of the brain diagnosis, his mind fills with heartrending questions. How did this happen? Can it be cured? What will it be like? Is death imminent? How much time is left? Unfortunately, for people diagnosed with metastasized cancer of the brain the answer is grim. The prognosis for these individuals is very poor.
Facts
One hundred thousand Americans receive a diagnosis of metastasized cancer of the brain every year, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Metastasized cancer of the brain occurs in anywhere from 10 to 30 percent of all individuals diagnosed with a primary cancer. Cancer that has metastasized to the brain accounts for 25 percent of all metastatic cancers. Metastasized brain cancer occurs more often in adults diagnosed with cancer than it occurs in children stricken by cancer.
Cause
Metastatic cancers are secondary cancers. They are the result of a primary cancer spreading. Primary cancer cells work their way into the bloodstream and are carried to other parts of the body and deposited. They will then multiply, resulting in a secondary cancer site. Cancer can also metastasize through the lymphatic system. The prognosis for metastatic cancer varies according to the type and stage of the primary cancer, the location of the secondary cancer and the overall health of the individual.
Symptoms
Early symptoms of metastasized cancer of the brain may be vague symptoms like lethargy, malaise, headache, fever, weakness and vomiting. Other symptoms that are more indicative of metastasized cancer of the brain are a decrease in coordination, speech difficulties or noticeable changes in vision. He may experience emotional instability, lapses in judgment or a change in personality. More severe symptoms include strange sensations in the body (electric shocks, tingling), noticeable differences in the size of his pupils when compared to each other and seizures that are not related to epilepsy.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, cerebral angiography, biopsies and lumbar punctures are all diagnostic tools used in diagnosing metastatic brain tumors. Because there is no cure, treatments focus on the relief of symptoms to improve the quality of remaining life. Corticosteroids and osmotic diuretics will reduce brain swelling. Radiation therapy and narcotics reduce pain associated with metastatic brain tumors.
Prognosis
The prognosis for individuals diagnosed with metastasized cancer of the brain is very poor. As the cancer spreads throughout the brain, it destroys any brain cells in its path. Death typically occurs within two years. The stage of the primary cancer, location of the metastatic tumor, number of cancerous brain lesions and the overall health of the individual are all factors in determining how long the person may live after a diagnosis of metastasized cancer of the brain.
Tags: cancer brain, diagnosed with, metastasized cancer, metastasized cancer brain, metastasized cancer brain, primary cancer, brain tumors