Metastatic brain tumors surpass the frequency of primary tumors approximately 10 times (!).

Metastases to the brain are observed in almost 20% of cancer patients, according to the Internet edition for girls and women from 14 to 35 years old Pannochka. net Even in the United States there is no detailed statistics of metastatic brain tumors, so their exact frequency is unknown. However, some US sources indicate a figure from 100. 000 to 170. 000 cases per year (300 million. of the US population). That is, from 33 to 56 cases per 100. 000 people annually.

This amount in the United States may be higher than in other countries, primarily due to the extensive use of CT and MRI to identify the smallest metastases. In many developing countries such a diagnosis, unfortunately, simply does not have time to put.

The most common causes of metastatic brain tumors are:.

Lung cancer - 50%.

Breast cancer - 15-20%.

Unknown primary cancer - 10-15%.

Melanoma - 10%.

Cancer of the large intestine - 5%.

Often, metastases to the brain appear due to tumors of the nasopharyngeal region, sometimes with direct involvement of local cranial nerves.

Localization of metastatic tumors of the brain is as follows:.

Hemispheres of the brain - 80% of cases.

Cerebrospinal fluid - 15% of cases.

The trunk of the brain - 5% of cases.

Dural metastases can develop in 9-10% of metastatic tumors of the central nervous system. In more than 70% of cases, brain metastases are plural (the prognosis for such patients is, of course, much worse).

Neoplasm in the brain should not be considered metastatic only because the patient already suffers from cancer. Such a simplified approach can lead to the fact that the doctor will miss a completely curable tumor, and will not prescribe the right therapy.

Diagnosis of a metastatic tumor in the brain should be based on a medical history, neurological examination and diagnostic procedures.

The patient may complain of a feeling of weakness, headache, seizures, gait problems, sensory disorders. Family members and friends of the patient can note drowsiness, inhibition, emotional lability, personality change and other suspicious changes. Physical examination may reveal objective neurological symptoms or only minimal, subtle cognitive changes.

Primary brain tumors rarely give metastases to other parts of the body, but may well metastasize to other parts of the brain. And yet, the appearance of multiple tumors in the brain in a cancer patient can lead to the decision that these tumors are metastases. In the case of a single tumor, or the dubious relationship of this formation to the primary cancer, the point can be put a brain biopsy (stereotactic biopsy).

In the United States, one interesting study was conducted in which the diagnosis of a single metastasis in the brain was changed in 6 cases out of 54 after a biopsy of the neoplasm. Six patients actually had a primary brain tumor or infectious focus.

Computed tomography or MRI with contrast (gadolinium) were sensitive enough to detect metastases.

Positron emission tomography and spectroscopic research are now recognized strategies in the diagnosis of brain cancer metastases, and allow distinguishing them from other intracranial formations.

medbe. en.