A diagnosis of a metastatic brain tumor can leave you with many questions, both about the condition itself and about available treatment options. The following guide will help you better understand why surgery is an effective method of treating your metastatic brain tumor, and it will also provide you with information about metastatic brain tumors in general.
Learning more about your condition and metastatic brain tumor surgery is a great way to set your mind at ease during this time, whether you already have your procedure scheduled or are still in the treatment planning process. Knowing what to expect allows you to prepare yourself mentally and physically for your surgery with confidence and can help calm any nervousness you may have.
What Is a Metastatic Brain Tumor?
There are two main types of brain tumors: those arising from the brain itself and those that have spread from tumors elsewhere in the body. A metastatic brain tumor is the latter sort and develops from cells that have seeded and spread from another cancer site, such as the lung or breast. Sometimes people are unaware they have cancer at these other locations, and a metastatic brain tumor diagnosis can alert your doctor to its existence.
The great news is that metastatic brain tumors typically respond very well to treatment and have better prognoses than primary brain tumors. If there is no previous diagnosis of metastatic cancer, your doctor may need to perform a biopsy and take a small sample of your tumor to confirm the type of cell it is made up of, which will help guide your treatment plan. Some tumors respond better to one type of metastatic brain tumor treatment over another, which your doctor will take into consideration.
What Is Metastatic Brain Tumor Surgery?
During metastatic brain tumor surgery, your surgeon will remove as much of your tumor as possible without endangering surrounding tissues, such as nerves and blood vessels. You will be asleep through the process to ensure you are comfortable, and the surgery itself typically takes two to three hours.
The first step in the process is usually a craniotomy, or the removal of a small section of skull so the surgeon can access your tumor. Next, the surgeon will carefully remove all or part of your tumor, depending on the location and what structures are nearby. Finally, the surgeon will replace the bone and close the incision site using sutures or staples.
When Is Metastatic Brain Tumor Surgery Recommended?
Generally speaking, there are three scenarios in which your doctor may recommend metastatic brain tumor surgery. However, this list is not exhaustive, and your doctor may suggest surgery even if you do not fall into one of the following categories.
The first is if your doctor needs to confirm your metastatic brain tumor diagnosis using a biopsy. Sometimes, a metastatic brain tumor is discovered before you are aware you have cancer at another site in your body, and a biopsy can help your doctor learn what cell types are present in order to determine their source.
Secondly, your doctor may recommend metastatic brain tumor surgery if your tumor is very large and cannot be treated using other methods, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, alone. The surgeon may opt to remove the entire tumor or only a section of it, depending on its location and if it has spread into neighboring tissues.
Finally, if your tumor is small and in an easily accessible location, surgery may be the primary mode of treatment, though it is typically followed by an adjunct form of therapy. Surgery is also more often considered in younger patients and those patients who do not have any concurrent health complications.
What Happens After Metastatic Brain Tumor Surgery?
It’s important to understand that almost all patients who undergo metastatic brain tumor surgery will also need to have follow-up adjunct therapy, such as radiation and chemotherapy. This is because any tumor cells remaining following your surgery could potentially regrow, and your tumor could reoccur.
The treatment plan your doctor recommends will depend largely on the original source of your metastatic brain tumor. Some types of tumors respond better to chemotherapy, while others are best treated using radiation. Your doctor will take this, as well as your personal health factors, into consideration before making any recommendations.
Additionally, you can expect consistent follow-up visits and imaging throughout the months and years after your treatment to monitor for any new tumor growth. This way, should your tumor return, your doctor can catch and treat it as soon as possible.
Continue Learning About Your Condition
The fact that you have taken the time to learn more about your metastatic brain tumor surgery proves that you are taking an active role in your treatment. Continue the learning process, and take the information you’ve learned here into your next conversation with your doctor. Be sure to bring up any new questions or concerns you may have so the doctor can help you better understand the treatment process.