Although it’s rare, malignant mesothelioma can sometimes spread (metastasize) to the brain. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that starts in the thin layer that lines different parts of the body.
Mesothelioma is caused by breathing in or swallowing asbestos fibers, so it most commonly starts in the lining of the lungs or abdomen. It can spread to organs close by, but rarely reaches the brain. In fact, less than 4% of mesothelioma cases involve brain metastases.
Doctors can determine if mesothelioma has spread to the brain in your case and recommend treatments to help you live as long as possible.
How Does Mesothelioma Spread to the Brain?
Mesothelioma spreads to the brain through both the bloodstream and the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and lymph nodes that helps remove waste and fight infections. Unfortunately, it can also serve as a pathway for cancer cells to travel to other parts of the body, including the brain.
However, this is extremely rare. The brain is protected by a membrane called the blood-brain barrier that keeps harmful substances like cancer cells out while allowing oxygen and vital nutrients in.
What Types of Mesothelioma Can Spread to the Brain?
Any type of mesothelioma can potentially spread to the brain if cancer cells get into the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
However, mesothelioma metastasis in the brain is most common with:
- Pleural mesothelioma, which starts in the lung lining (pleura)
- Peritoneal mesothelioma, which starts in the abdominal lining (peritoneum)
Though possible, brain metastasis from pericardial or testicular mesothelioma is extremely rare.
Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about mesothelioma types, symptoms, and treatments that could improve your prognosis.
What Are the First Signs of Mesothelioma Metastasis in the Brain?
Patients with mesothelioma metastasis to the brain can experience neurological symptoms that disrupt their daily activities.
These could include:
- Changes in personality
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking
- Fainting
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden headaches
- Unexplained muscle weakness
Talk to your doctor immediately if you have mesothelioma and are experiencing these or other new symptoms. If needed, they can use imaging scans to take detailed pictures of your brain and see if there are any tumors.
Treatments for Mesothelioma Brain Metastases
Because it’s so rare for mesothelioma to spread to the brain, there isn’t a standard treatment plan.
However, potential treatment options may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
Your mesothelioma doctor will consider your cancer type, stage, and overall health when coming up with your personalized treatment plan.
A study published in the Journal of Surgical Case Reports profiled a 72-year-old man with pleural mesothelioma who started having confusion and trouble speaking.
Doctors determined his cancer had spread to the brain. The patient underwent surgery to remove a large lesion from his left frontal lobe, which resolved his neurological symptoms immediately.
What Is the Prognosis for Mesothelioma in the Brain?
The average prognosis for patients with mesothelioma brain metastasis is 3 to 6 months. However, some people have lived much longer than this.
Several factors can influence prognosis, including:
- Access to specialized care
- Extent of metastasis
- Mesothelioma cell type
- Overall health
- Response to treatment
Your doctor can recommend treatments that may help you live longer with mesothelioma — even if it has metastasized to your brain.
Other Ways Mesothelioma Can Affect the Brain
Even if cancer doesn’t spread to the brain, malignant mesothelioma can affect the way your nervous system functions. A study of 174 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma revealed several common psychological and cognitive problems.
These included:
- Anxiety
- Low mood
- Inability to concentrate
Pain and fatigue are other common symptoms of mesothelioma, and they can be related to nervous system functioning.
Patients in the study reported that discussing their diagnosis with a therapist, support group, or religious community helped reduce their anxiety.
Get Support for Mesothelioma
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we’re here to help.
Our team of professionals provides personalized medical, financial, and supportive care for patients, caregivers, and loved ones every step of the way. Let us be your mesothelioma lifeline.
Call (866) 608-8933 today or fill out our contact form to speak with a Patient Advocate.
