Leptomeningeal cancer
Leptomeningeal Cancer
Leptomeningeal cancer (pronounced: lep-toh-men-in-gee-al can-cer) is a rare complication of cancer in which the disease spreads from the original tumor site to the meninges. The meninges are the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
Etymology
The term "leptomeningeal" is derived from the Greek words "lepto" meaning thin, and "meninx" meaning membrane. The term "cancer" comes from the Latin "cancer" meaning crab, due to the crab-like spread of an invasive tumor.
Definition
Leptomeningeal cancer, also known as Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis, is a condition in which cancer cells spread to the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This type of cancer is not a specific type of tumor, but rather a complication that can occur from various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and melanoma.
Symptoms
Symptoms of leptomeningeal cancer can vary greatly depending on the location and extent of the cancer spread. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or seizures.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of leptomeningeal cancer typically involves a combination of MRI scans, CSF analysis, and sometimes a biopsy.
Treatment
Treatment options for leptomeningeal cancer can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. The choice of treatment depends on the type and stage of the original cancer, the extent of the spread to the meninges, and the patient's overall health.
Prognosis
The prognosis for leptomeningeal cancer is generally poor, with survival typically measured in months. However, early detection and aggressive treatment can improve survival and quality of life.
Related Terms
- Cancer
- Meninges
- Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis
- Breast Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Melanoma
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Cerebrospinal Fluid
- Biopsy
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Surgery
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Leptomeningeal cancer
- Wikipedia's article - Leptomeningeal cancer
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