It is quite common for late stage lung cancer to spread to the brain. Brain mets are very common with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Within sub-types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), brain metastases are more common with adenocarcinoma than with squamous cell carcinoma.
Understanding brain metastases and lung cancer
We have created a booklet to help people who have been diagnosed with brain metastases. Download a copy or click here to request one through the post.
Symptoms of brain metastases
Brain metastases can affect people in various ways, including:
- Headaches
- Weakness in parts of the body
- Feeling sick
- Mood swings and changes in behaviour
- Fits or seizures
- Problems with co-ordination
- Confusion
- Lethargy
- Problems with reading or talking.
Not everyone with brain metastases has symptoms or will notice any effects.
Testing for brain metastases
Once your doctor suspects that cancer has spread to your brain, whether or not you have symptoms, they may carry out different checks and tests to assess the extent and possible impact of the tumours.
These procedures can help your medical team get a clearer picture of what is going on, and gather more information to help you think about what you want to do next:
- Neurological examination
- CT scan (computerised tomography)
- MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Biopsy (tissue sample).
Paul’s story
Paul Moors was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer and seven brain tumours in April 2024. He had targeted radiotherapy to his brain and his subsequent scan showed that five of the seven tumours had gone and the two remaining ones had shrunk. He is now receiving immunotherapy and his latest scans are stable.
“Within seven days of being told I had lung cancer with brain metastases, I had written my Will, arranged my funeral, sold my business and cars and surrendered my driving licence. I had arranged future birthday presents for my wife and two daughters. I expected to die and die soon.
“But thankfully my treatment so far has gone very well. My primary lung cancer is not visible, and my two remaining brain tumours are stable.”
Treatment for brain metastases
It is possible to treat brain metastases in several ways. Your doctor may recommend more than one type of treatment. They will consider the outcomes of any scans and X-rays and other tests you may have had that show the size and location of the cancer, and your general health and medical history before offering any treatment. This can include:
- Medicines to reduce symptoms
- Radiotherapy
- Stereotactic radiosurgery
- Systemic treatments: chemotherapy and targeted therapies
- Clinical trials
- Surgery.
Been diagnosed with brain metastases? Get in touch
If you have been diagnosed with brain metastases, our nurses can explain everything and answer any questions you may have. Call 0800 358 7200 or send us a message?