Brain metastasis occurs when the cancer spreads out from the breast and a secondary tumor is formed in the brain. The IRSA states that brain metastases are the most common type of brain cancer.
Stage of Breast Cancer
Breastcancer.org states that a brain metastasis can occur during stage IV of breast cancer, or invasive breast cancer; this type of breast cancer is also called "metastatic at presentation."
Formation
The IRSA states that the brain metastasis occurs when a section of the original cancer in the breast detaches and travels up the blood stream. Once the malignant cells reach the brain, a secondary tumor forms.
Location
The IRSA states that 80 to 85 percent of brain metastases are located in the cerebrum; 10 to 15 percent are found in the cerebellum and 3 to 5 percent are formed in the brain stem.
Symptoms
The symptoms of secondary brain tumors are the same as primary brain tumor symptoms. The IRSA lists headaches, vision problems, seizures, ataxia (difficulty coordinating movements), sensory changes and cognitive deficits as common symptoms.
Survival
The IRSA reviewed cases of women who had metastatic breast carcinoma: 40 percent survived 1 year, 10 percent survived 2 years and 3 percent survived 3 or more years.
