What are the risk factors for brain metastases?

Brain metastases begin outside the brain. Lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma are among the cancers that may travel there. The cancer's subtype, size or extent, growth pattern, and response to treatment can alter the level of concern.

A diagnosis of one of these cancers does not establish that spread has happened. Headache, dizziness, or a concentration change can have many causes. Clinicians interpret symptoms alongside examination findings and, when indicated, brain imaging.

Keep follow-up visits for your original cancer and share new neurological symptoms with the treating team. Mention when a symptom began, whether it is worsening, and whether it affects balance, speech, vision, strength, or daily tasks.

Arrange prompt medical advice for a new or persistent headache, vomiting without another clear reason, seizures, new weakness, confusion, or changes in speech, vision, balance, or personality. Call emergency services for a first seizure, sudden one-sided weakness, or rapidly worsening confusion.

Ask how your cancer subtype affects monitoring, which symptoms need urgent contact, and whether imaging is appropriate. You may also ask how the team would distinguish treatment effects from symptoms caused by the cancer itself.