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Metastases to the Central Nervous System: An Issue of Neurosurgery Clinics

Floyd Richardson

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Published in Metastases To The Central Nervous System An Issue Of Neurosurgery Clinics Of North America (The Clinics: Surgery 31)

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Metastasis to the central nervous system (CNS) involves the presence of a secondary tumor within the brain and/or spinal cord that has spread from a primary malignancy elsewhere in the body.

Metastases to the Central Nervous System An Issue of Neurosurgery Clinics of North America (The Clinics: Surgery 31)

Metastases to the Central Nervous System, An Issue of Neurosurgery Clinics of North America (The Clinics: Surgery Book 31)

by Kyriakos Anastasiadis

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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CNS metastases are a common occurrence, with an estimated incidence of 10-30% in patients with cancer. The most common primary tumors to metastasize to the CNS are lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma.

The presence of CNS metastases can significantly impact a patient's prognosis and quality of life. Treatment options for CNS metastases vary depending on the location, size, and number of tumors, as well as the patient's overall health.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of CNS metastases is typically made based on a combination of clinical symptoms, imaging studies, and biopsy.

Clinical symptoms of CNS metastases can vary depending on the location of the tumor. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and focal neurological deficits.

Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, can help to identify CNS metastases. A biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of tumor.

Treatment

Treatment options for CNS metastases vary depending on a number of factors, including the location, size, and number of tumors, as well as the patient's overall health.

Surgical resection is often the preferred treatment option for solitary CNS metastases. However, surgery may not be possible if the tumor is located in a critical area of the brain or spinal cord.

Radiation therapy is another common treatment option for CNS metastases. Radiation therapy can be used to shrink tumors and relieve symptoms.

Chemotherapy may also be used to treat CNS metastases. Chemotherapy drugs can be administered orally or intravenously.

Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are newer treatment options that may be used to treat CNS metastases. These therapies target specific molecules or proteins that are involved in tumor growth and survival.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with CNS metastases depends on a number of factors, including the type of tumor, the location and size of the tumors, and the patient's overall health.

The median survival time for patients with CNS metastases is 4-12 months. However, with aggressive treatment, some patients may survive for several years.

Metastases to the central nervous system are a common occurrence in patients with cancer. The presence of CNS metastases can significantly impact a patient's prognosis and quality of life.

Treatment options for CNS metastases vary depending on a number of factors, including the location, size, and number of tumors, as well as the patient's overall health.

This issue of Neurosurgery Clinics provides a comprehensive review of the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of CNS metastases.

References

American Cancer Society. What is Brain and Spinal Cord Cancer?
National Cancer Institute. Brain and Spinal Cord Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version
UpToDate. Treatment of Brain Metastases

Metastases to the Central Nervous System, An Issue of Neurosurgery Clinics of North America (The Clinics: Surgery Book 31)

by Kyriakos Anastasiadis

4 out of 5