Lung Cancer
Brain Metastases
If lung cancer has spread to the brain, call us. We can help you organize the imaging, symptoms, tumor biology and treatment questions.
Brain metastases require coordinated review of neurologic symptoms, number and location of lesions, lung-cancer subtype and systemic options.
Call 1.800.923.7878The introductory call with our Patient Care Team is free. Medical recommendations require a physician consultation.
Talk With Our Lung Cancer Patient Care Team
Tell us what you are facing. Our Patient Care Team will follow up personally, explain the consultation process and help you understand the next step. The introductory call is free.
The brain findings and the lung cancer biology must be reviewed together
Treatment depends on the number, size and location of brain lesions, symptoms, swelling, previous brain treatment, extracranial disease, pathology, biomarkers and overall health. A plan can combine local brain treatment with systemic lung-cancer treatment.
New neurologic changes require prompt medical attention
New weakness, numbness, severe headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, speech or vision change, seizure, loss of balance or marked drowsiness can be urgent. Contact the treating team or emergency services as appropriate rather than waiting for an online response.
Surgery and radiation decisions depend on lesion pattern and symptoms
Surgery
A large symptomatic or diagnostically uncertain lesion may be considered for surgery when location and health allow.
Focused radiation
Stereotactic techniques can treat selected lesions while limiting exposure to surrounding brain tissue.
Whole-brain radiation
This may be considered when disease is more extensive or other factors make focused treatment less suitable.
Medicines for symptoms
Clinicians may use medicines to reduce swelling or control seizures when indicated. These require medical supervision.
Some lung cancer medicines also have activity in the brain
For certain biomarker-defined NSCLC, a targeted therapy with central nervous system activity may be important. Immunotherapy or chemotherapy can also be part of the plan. The choice depends on urgency, symptoms, pathology, biomarkers and disease outside the brain.
Follow-up imaging and symptom review remain essential
Brain treatment can be followed by swelling, radiation changes or recurrent disease that may look similar on imaging. The team should compare scans over time, review symptoms and coordinate neurologic and systemic treatment.
- Current brain MRI and prior comparisons
- Number, size and location of lesions
- Neurologic symptoms and medicines
- Previous brain surgery or radiation
- Complete molecular and PD-L1 reports
- Status of disease outside the brain
Continue with the part of the diagnosis that matters now
Talk with our Patient Care Team for free
If you are facing lung cancer with brain metastases, call us. We can help you organize the diagnosis, reports and questions that deserve a closer review. The introductory call is free and does not obligate you to schedule a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Are brain metastases the same as primary brain cancer?
No. They are lung cancer cells that have spread to the brain and are treated as metastatic lung cancer.
Can brain metastases be treated?
Yes. Surgery, focused radiation, whole-brain radiation and systemic treatment may be used depending on the individual pattern.
Do brain metastases always cause symptoms?
No. Some are found on routine imaging. Others cause headache, weakness, seizures or cognitive changes. New neurologic symptoms need prompt evaluation.
Sources and important context
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)
- Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)
- Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment
- Finding Cancer Care and Seeking a Second Opinion
- Cancer Therapy Interactions With Foods and Dietary Supplements
Medical information disclaimer: This page is for education and does not diagnose lung cancer or recommend a treatment plan. Decisions require review of the exact pathology, stage, biomarkers, prior treatment, medicines, symptoms and overall health. Do not start, stop or replace cancer treatment based on website content.