This symptom in the body is actually lung cancer brain metastasis

Lung cancer is a relatively common cancer in real life. Generally speaking, if cancer cells are not treated in time, they will easily metastasize. Brain metastasis of lung cancer is very common. When lung cancer metastasizes to the brain, it will easily manifest as symptoms such as incoordination of body movements and convulsions, which are very life-threatening.

1. Definition of brain metastasis from lung cancer

Brain metastasis from lung cancer is different from brain tumors, which are tumors that occur in brain tissue. Most brain tumors do not originate from the brain tissue itself. Cancer cells break away from lung cancer, travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to the brain, and begin to grow.

Small cell lung cancer develops brain metastases early, often before lung tumors are discovered. Once small cell lung cancer develops brain metastases, it is classified as extensive stage. Non-small cell lung cancer also often spreads to the brain, usually in the later stages of the disease. Once it spreads to the brain, it is considered stage IV.

Symptoms of brain metastasis from lung cancer

Once lung cancer spreads to the brain, it can damage brain tissue, causing inflammation and swelling, which in turn can compress the brain and cause corresponding symptoms. The symptoms vary depending on the site of metastasis, the number of metastatic lesions and the general condition. About one-third of patients with brain metastases have no symptoms when they are discovered. The following symptoms often indicate that lung cancer has metastasized to the brain:

A. Headache

B. Twitching

C. Loss of balance

D. Nausea and vomiting

E. Difficulty walking

F. Incoordination

G. Speech articulation abnormalities

H. Visual changes, such as loss of vision or double vision

I. Weakness on one side of the body

J. Memory loss

K. Personality changes

L. Fatigue

3. Diagnosis of brain metastasis from lung cancer

When doctors suspect brain metastasis from lung cancer, they will request a plain scan with enhanced MRI to confirm the diagnosis. MRI has obvious advantages over CT in diagnosing brain lesions. However, when there is a pacemaker, heart stent or other metal objects affected by magnetic fields in the body, only a brain CT scan can be performed.

PET-CT can help with diagnosis when it is difficult to distinguish cancer from scar tissue. When it is difficult to distinguish between metastatic cancer and primary brain tumor clinically, cranial biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

IV. Treatment

The treatment of brain metastases from lung cancer mainly depends on the number and extent of brain metastases, general condition, and control of tumors outside the brain. Since lung cancer cannot be cured once brain metastasis occurs, improving quality of life naturally becomes the main goal of treatment.