How is brain metastases treated?

Brain metastases are cancer deposits that have travelled to the brain from another part of the body. The team reviews brain imaging, the number and size of deposits, their position, symptoms, and how controlled the original cancer is. Lung cancer and melanoma are among cancers that can spread to the brain. Treatment may aim to control deposits, reduce pressure or swelling, protect brain function, and treat cancer elsewhere.

Surgery can remove a deposit that is accessible and causing pressure, or provide tissue for diagnosis. Stereotactic radiosurgery delivers carefully directed radiation to selected deposits. Whole-brain radiotherapy treats cancer throughout the brain when there are multiple areas. Medicines may be chosen according to the original cancer and its tumour features.

Your oncology team may arrange an MRI review and discuss the case with neurosurgery and radiation specialists. Ask which treatment is intended first, how it will affect driving, work, memory, or balance, and whether medicines are needed for swelling or seizures. Keep a record of headaches, weakness, speech changes, vision problems, or episodes of confusion. Follow instructions about steroid or anti-seizure medicines and do not stop them suddenly without advice.

Seek urgent medical help for a first seizure, a seizure lasting longer than expected, sudden weakness or numbness, new trouble speaking, severe confusion, repeated vomiting, or a rapidly worsening headache. These symptoms can reflect pressure or irritation in the brain and need prompt assessment.

Which areas of the brain are involved, and what symptoms might they cause? Is surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, whole-brain radiotherapy, or medicine most suitable for me? How will you monitor response and side effects? What should I do if a seizure or sudden neurological change occurs?