Current and Emerging Brain Metastases Treatments
Primary tumors spreading to the brain are known as brain metastases. For instance, when lung cancer cells gradually spread to the brain, this “brain tumor” is a type of brain metastases. They are quite rare. Exact cause of brain metastases is still unknown.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Brain Metastases
- Loss of body control and violent shaking (seizures)
- Speech disturbance
- Blurred vision
- Severe headaches
- Loss of hearing
- Memory loss
- Numbness and loss of consciousness
- Weakness in arms, shoulders and legs
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a tumor of melanin-forming cells which are very harmful in nature. It is commonly associated with skin cancer. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, which can also form in eyes and, rarely, in internal organs, such as intestines & brain.
Types of Melanoma
- Superficial Spreading Melanoma: This is the most common type of melanoma. It usually appears on legs and upper back region of the body. They occur in the form of pre-existing moles and excessive darkening in one part of those pre-existing moles
- Nodular Melanoma: These lesions are often found on the trunk, head, or neck of a person. They usually appear as blue-black dome- shaped nodules. 5 percent of the time, these can be pink or red in colour.
- Lentigo Maligna Melanoma: This takes several years to develop. Occurs most often in older adults, usually on chronically sun-exposed areas and on the face. They are large, flat, tan-coloured lesions which are characterized by different shades of brown, black, grey, or white.
- Acral Lentiginous Melanoma: This appears on palms, or under the nails. Less than 5 percent of all melanomas are acral lentiginous melanoma. They are brown and black in colour.
- Melanomas in Internal Areas: They are found in internal areas of the body, such as the lymph nodes. Lymph is a colourless fluid which travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells which help fight infection and disease. There are no visible signs on the skin in this case.
- Mucosal Melanoma: It is a rare form of melanoma brain metastases which is formed within mucous membranes & is highly cancerous in nature.
- Ocular Melanoma: It is found in the eye, and is the most common type of primary intraocular cancer. It begins with pigmented (coloured) cells in the eye.
Melanoma Brain Metastases Treatments
Melanoma Brain Metastases is treatable and can be controlled.
- Surgery: It provides relief and patients can see immediate results after undergoing surgery. The ultimate goal of surgery is to minimize the amount of space the tumor has occupied, and provide instant relief which results in patient’s normal neurological functioning.
- Radiation therapy: It is treatment of brain tumors using x-rays and other forms of radiation, which is nothing but light energy to destroy cancerous cells and prevent a tumor from growing. It is also known as radiotherapy.
- Chemotherapy: It is used for treating metastatic brain tumors. Trastuzumab for breast cancer that has spread to the brain and Erlotinib for the most common type of lung cancer which has metastasized to the brain.
Why Choose India for Brain Metastases Treatments?
india is one of the most reliable medical tourism destinations, which has a good network of the best nationally & internationally accredited hospital facilities. India provides excellent medical treatments to international patients at affordable prices. Patients can choose from a wide range of brain metastases treatment packages which are available within the subcontinent.
