What should you know about non small cell lung cancer brain metastases?

Cancer cells can travel from the lung and form one or more deposits in the brain. Symptoms depend on the location and size of a deposit and may include headache, nausea, seizures, weakness on one side, balance problems, speech or vision changes, personality changes, or confusion. Some people have no neurological symptoms and are diagnosed through imaging.

An MRI or another brain scan helps define the findings. The team also reviews the lung cancer subtype, molecular results, other scan findings, medicines, and your general health before recommending treatment. The diagnosis is different from a primary brain tumour.

Care is planned by specialists who may combine systemic treatment with local treatment. Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy can be considered for selected deposits, while surgery is sometimes discussed when a deposit is accessible and circumstances support it. Immunotherapy or Targeted Therapy may treat cancer throughout the body when the tumour has a relevant feature. The plan depends on the number and location of deposits, symptoms, and previous treatment.

Take medicines as directed and ask whether you need treatment for swelling, seizures, pain, or nausea. Keep a record of neurological changes and bring a support person to visits if possible.

Call emergency services for a first seizure, a seizure lasting longer than expected, sudden facial drooping or weakness, new trouble speaking, collapse, severe confusion, or a sudden severe headache with repeated vomiting. Contact the oncology team urgently for a new persistent headache, worsening balance, repeated falls, or any neurological symptom that is progressing.

What did the brain scan show, and where are the affected areas? What is the immediate priority: swelling, seizure control, cancer treatment, or another concern? Is focused radiotherapy or surgery suitable? Could systemic treatment reach the cancer in the brain? Which symptoms require emergency help?