Vandana Mahajan, Palliative Care Counselor, Cancer Counselor, Patient Advocate, and Cancer Survivor, shared a post on LinkedIn by Lung Connect, adding:
“Patient and caregiver education in Lung Cancer.
When someone diagnosed with lung cancer hears the words ‘brain metastasis,’ the first reaction – for both the patient and their family – is often fear, as if life is over. It is undeniably scary. However, with significant advancements in treatment options today, brain metastases can be treated, and quality of life can be meaningfully improved.
Had a very engaging and patient-friendly session with Dr. Deep Vora, discussing hope, science, and evolving care options.
Highlights of the session:
1. What does this mean?
- Brain metastases happen when lung cancer spreads to the brain.
- It is still lung cancer, not a new brain cancer.
- This is common in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
2. Symptoms to Watch For
Common symptoms include:
- Headaches that don’t go away
- Seizures
- Weakness or numbness (often on one side)
- Trouble walking or balancing
- Vision or speech problems
- Memory loss, confusion, or personality changes
- Extreme sleepiness
Get urgent medical help for seizures, sudden weakness, confusion, or severe headache.
3. How is it found?
- MRI of the brain (best test)
- Sometimes found before symptoms start
- Repeat MRIs to check how the treatment is working
4. How is it treated?
Treatment depends on how many tumors there are, symptoms, and the type of NSCLC.
Medicines
- Steroids help reduce brain swelling and improve symptoms quickly
- Usually used for a short time
Radiation
- Focused radiation (SRS): for a small number of tumors
- Whole-brain radiation: for many tumor
5. Available Lung Cancer Treatments
Some NSCLC treatments also work in the brain:
- Targeted therapy( works by passing /going through the blood-brain barrier)
- Immunotherapy
- Chemotherapy (less effective in the brain)( because of the blood-brain barrier)
6. Genetic (molecular) testing helps choose the best treatment.
7. Brain tumors and treatment can affect:
- Memory
- Thinking
- Mood or behavior
These changes are medical, not the patient’s fault. Help is available.”
Quoting Lung Connect’s post:
“Lung Connect India Foundation successfully concluded 163rd Support Group Meeting- Mumbai.”
More posts featuring Vandana Mahajan.