Metastatic Brain Tumors (from cancer elsewhere)
When you are first diagnosed with cancer, the location of that cancer is called your "primary site." Breast, lung, colon, or kidney are examples of "primary sites." A metastatic, or secondary, brain tumor is formed when a primary cancer elsewhere in the body spreads to the brain. Multiple secondary brain tumors are referred to as "brain metastases."
Cancers that frequently spread to the brain include lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma (a malignant skin cancer), colon cancer and kidney cancer. In most situations, the primary cancer is diagnosed before it spreads to the brain, but this is not always the case.
If you were recently told you have a "metastatic" brain tumor, we realize you will be learning about cancer in a new way. We can help you understand the brain, how it works, and how tumors in the brain are treated. Use the links below to get started, explore the reaminder of our site, and if you need any assistance please call us at 800-886-2282. Our information specialists can also provide resources to help you learn more about your primary cancer (ie, lung or breast cancer).
Parts of the Brain
Think of the brain as a computer controlling the activities of your body. Each tiny section of your brain controls a different function. A tumor in the brain may cause that specific part of the brain to function improperly. Begin by viewing the Part of the Brain, and learn the activities controlled by your brain and spinal cord.
Metastatic Brain Tumors
This booklet overviews the diagnosis and treatment of metastatic brain tumors -cancer that has spread to the brain from elsewhere in the body. This reference also discusses "unknown primaries" in which the primary site of the cancer is never found, and siutations in which the brain metastasis is found "before" the primary cancer site is found.
Treating Brain Tumors
The treatments for tumors in the brain are slightly different than the treatments you received for your primary cancer. There are different types of radiation therapy used for the brain, and different chemotherapy drugs. This section of the ABTA web site explains the treatments used for brain tumors, and how to the newest treatments offered in clinical trials.
Becoming Well Again Through...
This ABTA series explains many services and programs that can help get you back on the road to recovery. Featured are articles about memory retraining, managing fatigue, rehabilitative programs, stress management and more.
Reaching Out for Support
From online support groups to ABTA's Survior Stories, expand your support network here.
Working with a Brain Tumor
A helpful employment portal for patients, caregivers, and employers.
Stay Updated
Between your visits to the ABTA web site, receive monthly updates of new treatments in development, research study results, and news from the brain tumor community. Follow the link to sign up for these complimentary e-mail bulletins.
January, 2009
American Brain Tumor Association
2720 River Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Phone: 847-827-9910
Fax: 847-827-9918
Toll-free Phone: 800-886-2282
E-mail: info@abta.org
2720 River Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Phone: 847-827-9910
Fax: 847-827-9918
Toll-free Phone: 800-886-2282
E-mail: info@abta.org