Brain Tumors, Metastatic

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Metastatic brain tumors -- also known as secondary brain cancers -- are cancers that have spread from other tissues in the body to the brain. They are about ten times more common than cancers that originate in the brain, which are known as primary brain tumors.

Although brain metastases can develop from almost any kind of cancer, lung, breast, colon, kidney, and malignant melanoma are the cancers that most often spread to the brain.

In this section, you can find information about our expertise in treating patients with these tumors, our services, and our research.

Our Approach & Expertise
Physicians at Memorial Sloan-Kettering have extensive experience caring for patients with brain metastases and tend to treat these tumors aggressively -- and in so doing, can often extend patients' lives and improve their quality of life.
Our Team of Experts
Our team of brain tumor experts in neurology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology, neuropathology, and neuroradiology work together to diagnose and treat patients with metastatic brain tumors.
Overview
Metastatic brain cancer, also called secondary brain cancer, occurs when cancer cells migrate to the brain from a primary cancer elsewhere in the body, and form one or more tumors.
Symptoms
Symptoms of brain metastases are quite varied, and depend on the location and size of the tumor or tumors. These symptoms can include headache, seizures, numbness, weakness, and difficulty walking.
Diagnosis
To diagnose metastatic brain lesions, doctors usually conduct a neurological examination and have patients undergo an MRI scan of the brain.
Treatment
Treatments for metastatic brain lesions include surgery, radiation therapy, and occasionally chemotherapy.
Our Clinical Trials
A continually updated listing of Memorial Sloan-Kettering's current clinical trials for metastatic brain tumors.
After Treatment
Long-term follow-up examinations are always advised because brain metastases tend to recur and treatment can have possible late side effects.

Last Updated: Mar. 23, 2007

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