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Meninges - metastases

Tumors that metastasize to the cerebrospinal fluid or spinal fluid are also called leptomeningeal metastases. This is a fairly rare type of metastasis. It is most common in patients with breast cancer, lung cancer , and malignant skin cancer (melanoma). Usually the tumor cells spread through the blood to the cerebrospinal fluid or spinal fluid.

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AVL Brain Tumor Center

At the NKI Brain Tumor Center, you will receive the best possible care for your diagnosis and treatment. Our specialists are 100% committed every day to the most appropriate treatment with the highest quality of life.
AVL Brain Tumor Center

More information about metastases to the meninges

Causes of metastases to the meninges

Sometimes the treatment for metastases in other places in the body, such as chemotherapy, does not work well in the meninges. This is because the chemotherapy does not penetrate the meninges properly. As a result, the tumor cells can still metastasize to the meninges. They can also be caused by tumor cells spreading during surgery for metastasis in the brain.

Symptoms of metastases to the meninges

Symptoms of metastases in the meninges are:

  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Impaired vision or speech
  • Pain in the arms or legs
  • Shaky walking
  • Urine leakage

Research & diagnosis

In order to be able to diagnose metastases to the meninges, various tests are possible. Your doctor will discuss with you which diagnostic tests are needed.

Examination and diagnosis

To diagnose metastases in the brain, various tests are possible. Your doctor will discuss with you which diagnostic tests are needed.

Lichamelijk onderzoek Winan van Houdt

Physical examination
MRI scan

MRI scan
Microscoop punctie

Lumbar puncture

Treatment options

The treatment you receive depends on the type of tumour. Your health and fitness also play a role. The doctor will explain well in advance what is going to happen and you will have plenty of time to ask questions. You will receive one or more of the following treatments:

Radiotherapy for brain tumors

Chemotherapy

Immunotherapy

Clinical trials

At the Netherlands Cancer Institute, we are always looking for new treatments. We therefore conduct research in studies to see what is possible. Whether you can participate in such a study depends on many things. Do you have any questions about this? Please feel free to contact your doctor or nurse specialist.

Waiting

We want to inform you as well as possible about the waiting time per condition. We do this based on a prognosis of the current waiting list. The waiting time can vary from patient to patient for various reasons. Your attending physician will give you more information during your outpatient consultation.

  • 3 days

    First appointment

    Your first appointment will be planned within approximately 6 days.

  • 14 days

    Surgery

    We aim to remove malignant tumors within 14 days.

  • 6 days

    Second opinion

    It will take approximately 6 days before you can come in for a second opinion

Read more about your first appointment or second opinion

Make an appointment

Second opinion or transfer

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