Expert Treatment for Brain Tumor Metastasis in the Sacramento Region

A brain tumor metastasis occurs when cancer in another part of the body spreads to the brain. These types of tumors are secondary brain tumors and are much more common than primary brain tumors. Metastases typically appear in the cerebral cortex, the cerebellum, or the brain stem.

If you are looking for comprehensive care for your brain tumor metastasis in the Sacramento region, Dignity Health Neurological Institute of Northern California uses the latest technologies and techniques. As our neurologists partner with our cancer experts through our Brain Tumor Program, you can rely on us for quality, personalized treatment. Find a Doctor near you today.

 

Brain Tumor Metastasis Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of a metastatic brain tumor are similar to those of a primary brain tumor. Symptoms include:

  • Severe headaches
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting
  • Drowsiness or lethargy
  • Personality or behavioral changes
  • Problems with memory or other mental functions
  • Vision or speech problems
  • Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
  • Problems with coordination and balance

Talk to your Dignity Health doctor if you notice these symptoms. They can direct you to one of our specialists.

 

Causes of Brain Tumor Metastasis

Cancer cells can spread from the primary site of cancer and enter the bloodstream or the lymph system, including the lymph nodes. Blood and lymph vessels carry the cancer cells to other parts of the body. Some of these cells grow and form another tumor at the secondary site. This means the primary cancer has metastasized. There can be more than one brain tumor metastasis from a single primary cancer.

Primary cancers that most often cause metastatic brain cancer include:

 

Brain Tumor Metastasis Treatment & Prevention at Dignity Health

The number, size, and location of the tumors will help determine your course of treatment. Your care team, which includes a nurse navigator, will walk you through each treatment option so you know what to expect.

Oftentimes, our experts recommend a combination of surgery and radiation therapy to treat brain tumor metastasis.

Whole-brain radiation is often effective if there is more than one tumor. Brain tumor metastases often do not respond to chemotherapy, although it does work in some situations. Ask us if one of our clinical trials of a new treatment or approach is an option.

Prevention of brain tumor metastasis starts with effectively treating the primary cancer. The goal of treatment is to cure the body of cancer and kill any remaining cancer cells. Curing the primary cancer helps prevent a brain tumor metastasis. However, despite even the best treatment, some cancer cells may escape and form a tumor elsewhere. Trust the professionals at Dignity Health to be committed to your overall health and well-being.

Dignity Health Neurological Institute of Northern California provides advanced care for brain tumor metastasis in Sacramento, CA and surrounding areas.