Metastatic Brain Tumors

What are Metastatic Brain Tumors?

Metastatic brain tumors are cancers that spread to the brain from another part of the body, most commonly the lung, breast, kidney, or skin. These are the most common brain tumors in adults. They can be single or multiple and may grow at different speeds depending on the primary cancer. Because these tumors can develop quickly, early evaluation and coordinated treatment are essential.

What are the Symptoms of Metastatic Brain Tumors?

Symptoms depend on where the tumor is located but may include:

• Headaches or a sensation of pressure
• Seizures
• Weakness, numbness, or coordination changes
• Speech or vision problems
• Cognitive or personality changes

Because these tumors can grow rapidly, symptoms often appear over weeks to months.

What are the Treatment Options for Metastatic Brain Tumors?

Treatment depends on the size, number, and location of tumors, as well as the patient’s overall health and status of the primary cancer. Options may include:

• Surgical removal of accessible tumors causing symptoms
• Stereotactic radiosurgery (highly focused radiation)
• Whole-brain or targeted radiation therapy
• Systemic therapy or immunotherapy for the underlying cancer

We work closely with MD Anderson Cancer Center and participate in weekly multidisciplinary Tumor Board meetings. This ensures each patient receives a personalized treatment plan that integrates neurosurgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, and other specialties.

When surgery is needed, we use keyhole and minimally invasive techniques, intraoperative image guidance, and neuromonitoring to maximize tumor removal while preserving neurological function. Surgery often improves both symptoms and responsiveness to subsequent treatments like radiation or systemic therapy. Surgery also provides tumor tissue to further analyze the tumor type for effective medical treatments.