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Secondary brain cancer

Secondary brain cancer is when a cancer that started in another part of the body has spread to the brain. Where the cancer started is called the primary cancer.

It is not easy to cope with a diagnosis of secondary brain cancer but understanding more about it and the treatment you might have can help.

Home About cancer Secondary cancer Secondary brain cancer

What is secondary brain cancer?

Secondary brain cancer is when a cancer that started somewhere else in the body has spread to the brain.

Treatment for secondary brain cancer

Treatment for secondary brain cancer aims to control the cancer and your symptoms. It can also prevent problems from developing. Treatments include steroids, radiotherapy, hormone treatment, targeted cancer drugs and, in some cases, surgery.

Last reviewed:

21 Jul 2023

Next review due:

21 Jul 2026

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