Metastatic Disease

Most cancers arising outside the brain or spine can have an effect on the nervous system. These cancers can:

	Travel directly to the brain to cause brain metastasis.
	Travel to the areas surrounding the spine, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves (epidural metastasis).
	Travel to the substance of the spinal cord.
	Travel to the spinal fluid and linings of the brain and spinal cord (neoplastic or carcinomatous meningitis).

Treatment of these conditions vary based upon the primary location of the tumor, the type of tumor, the extent of systemic disease, prior treatment, and the sensitivity of treatment to radiation and/or chemotherapy.

Related Links:

	Radiation therapy	Chemotherapy
	Radiosurgery	Neoplastic Meningitis
	Clinical Trials	Thalidomide