Brain Metastases
Why choose us for brain metastasis care?
At Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, experienced doctors use leading therapies to treat cancer that spreads to the brain.
Our team includes respected brain tumor specialists with fellowship training in neuro-oncologic surgery and neuro-oncology. We offer stereotactic radiotherapy, an advanced radiation therapy that treats multiple brain metastases at one time — without surgery. As an academic medical center, we provide new hope for eligible patients through additional treatments only available through clinical trials.
Find out more about our neuro-oncology (brain tumor) program.
What you need to know about brain metastasis
- Brain metastasis is cancer that spreads to the brain. It happens when cancer cells that start in one area (like the lungs) enter the bloodstream and eventually reach the brain. Once inside the brain, the cancer cells continue to grow and spread.
- Any cancer can spread to the brain. Some cancers are more likely to lead to brain metastasis than others. Having lung, melanoma, breast or kidney cancer may increase your chances of developing brain metastasis.
- Our team includes highly trained doctors who treat many brain metastases compared to other centers in the area. We are one of a few cancer centers in South Texas to use teams of doctors to coordinate brain tumor treatment. This approach is a proven best practice and helps us deliver precise care personalized to your situation and needs.
- Having a brain metastasis often excludes patients from participating in clinical trials. We do offer eligible patients additional treatment options through ongoing clinical trials, including for people with cancer that has spread to the brain.
How to talk to your doctor about brain metastasis
Being diagnosed with a brain metastasis may make you feel uneasy about your future. You can count on us to guide you through every step of cancer treatment. We will educate you about all your options (including treatments that are not widely available) and provide support.
You might want to ask your doctor about:
- Additional testing, if any, you may need to guide diagnosis or treatment
- Cancer details, including where in the brain (or other areas) cancer has spread
- Treatment options, including what to expect if your doctor recommends surgery and any clinical trials for which you may be eligible
- Support services, including resources that may help you overcome physical or emotional challenges you experience during treatment
We want you to feel empowered in making treatment decisions. Many patients find it beneficial to include a loved one in their appointments. We welcome the support you want as you make important decisions.
Types
Any cancer can spread to the brain through the blood or lymph circulatory systems. The most common types of brain metastasis we treat are:
- Breast cancer metastasis to the brain
- Lung cancer metastasis to the brain
- Colon cancer metastasis to the brain
- Prostate cancer metastasis to the brain
- Melanoma metastasis to the brain
- Kidney cancer metastasis to the brain