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Some people with lung cancer have disease that metastasizes, meaning that it spreads to another part of the body. These new cancer sites are called mets, and they can occur in the brain.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lung cancer was the second most common type of cancer in 2020. It is also the type of cancer responsible for the most deaths.As many as 40% of people with lung cancer develop brain metastases, or brain mets. These are new tumors that form as a result of cancer spreading from the lungs.Brain mets can cause headaches, mood swings, paralysis, and other issues. Although they are often treatable with radiation therapy, the less harmful immunotherapy is becoming a popular option.The outlook for people with brain mets varies depending on the severity of the disease, among other factors. This article provides more information about the symptoms of brain mets in people with lung cancer. It also looks at the outlook for people with lung cancer and brain mets, the treatment options, and more.Share on PinterestWillie B. ThomasGetty ImagesResearch suggests that about 10% of people with lung cancer present with brain mets during their initial diagnosis, and up to 40% of people with lung cancer will get brain mets at some point. Due to this, it is important for people with lung cancer to know the symptoms of brain mets so that they can seek treatment if they notice any appear. The symptoms of brain mets include:headachesvomitingalteration in consciousnessseizuresneurological symptoms, such as tingling and motor changesIn addition, an individuals lung cancer symptoms may change, or new symptoms may appear. They may have the following symptoms:a worsening or persistent coughcoughing up bloodchest painloss of appetiteunexplained weight lossshortness of breathfatiguerecurrent infectionsIn some cases, a doctor may diagnose brain mets at the same time as confirming lung cancer. However, if brain mets only appear once the disease progresses, the doctor will diagnose them at a later stage. They may use a range of tests to diagnose brain mets.CT scanA doctor may order a CT scan, which might involve the use of a contrast dye to make the details of the scan more clear.A CT scan is often the first test that doctors order when diagnosing brain mets.MRI scanAn MRI scan creates detailed images of the organs and tissues. The medical community considers the MRI scan the gold standard of diagnostic tools. The reason for this is that it provides comprehensive information about the size, location, pressure effects, and characteristics of the brain mets.Doctors can use a range of treatments to treat lung cancer with brain mets. The treatment that they choose depends on various factors, such as:the type and size of the tumorthe initial site of the cancerthe stage of the cancer at the primary site and the stage of the metsthe persons overall healthThe goal of treatment depends on the individual. A doctor will help them make a decision based on their overall health, their symptoms, and how far the cancer has spread. Sometimes, treatment aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life rather than curing cancer.Doctors have three primary treatment options for lung cancer with brain mets: drugs, surgery, and radiation therapy.DrugsDoctors may use non-chemotherapeutic drugs to manage a persons symptoms. These medications may include pain relievers to help with headaches, drugs to control epilepsy, or medicines to help with edema or swelling of the tissues.A doctor may also prescribe chemotherapeutic drugs to attack and kill the cancer cells. Chemotherapy can treat an individuals brain mets and the primary lung cancer simultaneously.SurgeryAdvances in surgery tools and techniques have made it possible for surgeons to remove brain mets relatively safely with minimal consequences to brain function and little to no risk of death.However, surgery typically only takes place if the surgeon feels that it is the best treatment option for an individual. In some cases, it may not be safe to operate on a person with brain mets.Radiation therapyRadiation therapy can target either the whole brain or smaller, more focused areas.The radiologist will use a precise, focused beam of radiation to treat brain mets with a small diameter. This concentrated beam protects the surrounding brain tissue from damage, limiting the side effects of the treatment.In comparison with general radiation therapy, this process has fewer risks and results in a shorter hospital stay.The treatments success depends on whether the primary cancer is under control. Treating brain mets without controlling the primary cancer can lead to worse health outcomes.ImmunotherapyImmunotherapy is a newer form of treatment suitable for some people with brain mets. This treatment uses the bodys immune system to fight cancer cells. It teaches the body which cells to fight and boosts the immune cells, giving the body the tools it needs to fight the cancer.Although it is a newer treatment option for lung cancer with brain mets, some clinical trials and studies have shown promising results. One 2020 study showed that people who received radiation therapy and immunotherapy had a higher survival rate than those who received radiation therapy alone.Brain mets are generally a sign of a less promising outlook because they lead to other health effects, such as neurological deterioration. Their presence usually significantly shortens an individuals estimated lifespan. A persons outlook will depend on many factors, including:how the cancer affects the brainhow far the cancer has spreadthe neurological problems they are experiencingthe type of primary tumorthe length of time between the initial cancer diagnosis and the brain mets diagnosisthe characteristics of the brain mets It is common for cancer to recur within the body or brain, so follow-up appointments with imaging studies are crucial. Some people have brain mets that occur later on, and it is important to treat these changes as quickly as possible.When an individual receives a diagnosis of brain mets, they may feel overwhelmed, scared, or upset. Their family members and loved ones may also find the diagnosis incredibly difficult to process.In-person and online support groups allow both the individual and their loved ones to connect with other people experiencing the same situation. Brain metastases, or brain mets, occur when the primary cancer spreads to the brain. Up to 40% of people with lung cancer develop brain mets at some point during the disease. Brain mets are often associated with a less positive outlook and a lower survival rate.Medication, surgery, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy can shrink the cancer and help a person manage their symptoms. These treatments may also extend the persons life expectancy. Some people with cancer, and their loved ones, may benefit from joining support groups.

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