Stage 4 Lung Cancer That Has Spread to the Brain

Brain metastases are areas where lung cancer cells have travelled to the brain. Possible effects include headache, seizures, weakness on one side, balance trouble, vision or speech changes, nausea, or altered thinking. These symptoms can also have other causes, so a symptom does not by itself establish brain spread. Doctors may use brain imaging and a neurological examination to clarify what is happening.

The number, size and location of lesions, the lung cancer type, overall health and tumour features all influence the plan. See Brain Metastases at /conditions/brain-metastases/ and Lung Cancer at /conditions/lung-cancer/.

Your team may use medicines to reduce swelling or control seizures, surgery in selected situations, Radiotherapy at /treatments/radiation-oncology/radiotherapy/ or medicines that treat cancer throughout the body. Genomic Tumour Profiling at /treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/genomic-tumour-profiling/ can help identify relevant tumour changes. Palliative Care at /treatments/supportive-and-palliative-care/palliative-care/ can address symptoms, independence and emotional support alongside cancer treatment.

Call emergency services for a first seizure, a seizure lasting longer than usual, sudden weakness or facial drooping, severe new headache with vomiting, collapse, severe confusion or difficulty waking. Contact the oncology team promptly for new balance problems, speech or vision changes, repeated headaches or worsening weakness.

Ask which scan is needed, whether swelling or seizures need treatment, which options fit the lesion location and your goals, and how treatment could affect driving, work, walking or daily activities.