Advertisement
One quarter of patients develop a brain tumor later
Getting through cancer treatment successfully is something to celebrate. To stay in good health, doctors say you need to watch for other symptoms, including vision changes, headaches and problems with balance.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Many cancer survivors don’t realize that 25% of people who survive some common cancers go on to develop a brain tumor. These brain tumors don’t originate in the brain but are actually cancerous cells from the original tumor that travel to the brain through the bloodstream. When this happens, doctors call these tumors brain metastases.
“About one-third of patients with the most common cancers — lung, breast and kidney cancer and melanoma — are at risk of developing brain metastases,” says neurosurgeon Gene Barnett, MD.
When this happens, the resulting growth needs early treatment. Dr. Barnett says early detection can help people get the right treatment at the right time to avoid serious complications. This is why you need to be vigilant and pay attention to your symptoms.
If you’ve had cancer and experience these symptoms, be sure to tell your doctor:
Metastatic brain tumors tend to develop gradually, although severe episodes can occur. No matter what, it’s important to tell your doctor immediately so they can evaluate you and treat you early.
For years, doctors believed that brain metastases were uniformly fatal. Treatment could only relieve symptoms. Today, they know that such tumors are treatable, thanks to technological and medical advances. The key is early detection.
We’ve come a long way from the days when the only treatment option available for brain metastases was whole brain radiation. This often failed to control the tumors. Today, aggressive and precisely delivered treatments produce better outcomes with fewer side effects.
Advertisement
Treatment options depend on the location, type and extent of the tumor, and include:
“We want to help patients be aware of all management options, so they don’t blindly agree to a proposed treatment which may not be in their best interest,” Dr. Barnett says. “They always have the right to seek a second opinion.
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Support groups, financial assistance and survivorship programs are all readily available
Cancer is deadlier in racial and ethnic minority groups and for people in low-income areas
The cancer journey doesn’t end after treatment
Life after childhood cancer may look a little different
HER2-low is less aggressive than HER2-positive and HER2-negative, but the new designation allows for targeted therapies that may be helpful
Taking care of yourself extends beyond symptom management and includes things like passion projects and meaningful moments
It depends on factors like the stage of the cancer, your age and other risks
Receiving this diagnosis can be scary, but there are ways to manage symptoms and reduce stress
Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress
PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body
While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims