New Delhi: Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers that can also spread to the brain and create a subservient cancer risk. Lung cancer accounts for annual cases of 72,510 which makes up 5.8 per cent of all cancer cases. According to a report published in the Journal of The Lancet Regional Health, lung cancer ranks third as the most commonly diagnosed cancer.
According to some studies around 10 to 50 per cent of people with lung cancer will develop brain metastases, depending upon the factors like type of tumour mutatoion.
Explaining this in detail, Dr Atul Narayankar, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road shared with News9, “Lung cancer is a type of cancer that occurs due to the abnormal growth of cells in the lungs. This can cause long-term effects on one’s respiratory health and overall quality of life. It is one of the most common cancers that can be spread to the brain. This condition is known as lung brain metastases. It occurs when the overactive cancer cells present in the lungs start to hijack the brain causing life-threatening complications.”
“Several lung cancer patients are more likely to develop brain metastases at some point while suffering from this disease. This happens when the cancer-causing cells start to break off from the tumour and get to the brain through the bloodstream. Once these cells reach their final destination which is the brain they encourage the formation of new tumours,” added Dr Narayankar.
Symptoms to watch out
Dr Narayankar noted that one can experience a range of symptoms such as headaches, seizures, cognitive changes, feeling tired, increased weakness in the limb, difficulty in balancing or standing still without support, frequent changes in vision, a decline in the functioning of the brain, hearing problems, speech difficulties, sensory changes, personality and behavioural changes, vomiting, confusion, and intracranial bleeding.
Treatment can be less intense and focused on smaller and fewer lesions in the brain. In extensive metastatic lesions, patients may need whole-brain radiation therapy.
How can it be diagnosed?
Brain metastases can be detected with the help of certain tests like blood tests (to check for tumours), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), biopsy, and neurological examination. This can help in the early detection of this disease to minimise the damage caused and also increase the chances of successful treatment outcomes. The treatment for managing and controlling brain metastases can vary from person to person depending on the severity of the condition.
The main aim of this treatment plan is to slow down the rapid growth of cancer-causing cells in the brain along with reducing the intensity of the symptoms experienced. Your doctor may suggest treatment options like radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and certain medications to elevate the symptoms.
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that occurs due to the abnormal growth of cells in the lungs. This can cause long-term effects on one’s respiratory health and overall quality of life. It is one of the most common cancers that can be spread to the brain. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
