Gastric cancer intracranial metastases
Gastric cancer can metastasize to many different parts of the body, including the brain. Intracranial metastases from gastric cancer are relatively rare, but they can occur.
When gastric cancer spreads to the brain, it can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, seizures, confusion, weakness, and changes in vision or speech. These symptoms may occur gradually over time or develop suddenly.
The treatment for intracranial metastases from gastric cancer typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The specific treatment plan will depend on the extent of the metastases, the location of the tumors, and the overall health of the patient.
In general, the prognosis for patients with intracranial metastases from gastric cancer is poor. However, early detection and aggressive treatment may improve outcomes for some patients. It is important for patients with gastric cancer to undergo regular screenings and follow-up care to monitor for the development of metastases.
A 68-year-old man with a history of gastric cancer presented to our hospital with dysarthria and shoulder paralysis; CSH was diagnosed from preoperative imaging findings. When the hematoma was removed via a small craniotomy, besides the hematoma, we observed an abnormal mass of tissue in the capsule. Pathologically, the mass was consistent with the findings of metastatic gastric cancer. Although the symptoms immediately disappeared postoperatively, a symptomatic acute subdural hematoma with midline shift was observed on postoperative day 27. Emergency craniotomy and hematoma and tumor removal were performed. Pathologic examination showed hemorrhagic necrosis in the tumor, which had not been initially observed. The postoperative course progressed without hematoma recurrence.
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a CSH accompanied by tumor metastases in most of the CSH cavity. Although rare, if a patient with cancer has CSH, the CSH should be treated considering the possibility of metastases 1).