Carcinomatous meningitis, also calledleptomeningealdisease, can occur as a result of any jot down of late-stage cancer.
It is due to the spread ofcancerous cellsto themeninges, the membranes that cover your brain and spinal cord.
The cells come from tumors that exist elsewhere in the body.
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Symptoms of this problem vary, but often include headaches, numbness, pain, and lower limb weakness.
Detecting carcinomatous meningitis early is difficult.
Treatment of carcinomatous meningitis is complex.
It often involves more than one approach aimed to improve the quality and length of life.
Since carcinomatous meningitis occurs in the end stages of cancer, the prognosis is often poor.
This article describes carcinomatous meningitis symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, and how to cope with the prognosis.
Less common types of infectious meningitis originate from other sources in the environment.
All types ofmeningitisinvolve swelling of the meninges.
While symptoms typically develop, they are often vague or common to other conditions.
There, the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid provide conditions that allow tumor cells to rapidly multiply in this area.
A neurological assessment can determine whether your symptoms align with those common to the condition.
A sample of cerebrospinal fluid is extracted and examined under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells.
Treatment
Carcinomatous meningitis isn’t curable.
The median time of survival with this condition is 24 months, even with appropriate treatment.
However, the extent of your disease and the timing of your diagnosis can impact your outcomes.
Early diagnosis before the onset of neurological problems may improve survival rates.
Coping
A diagnosis of carcinomatous meningitis can be difficult to handle.
This disease is typically treated with a multidisciplinary approach.
Summary
Carcinomatous meningitis can develop as a secondary problem in late-stage cancers.
It shows up when cancer cells spread to your brain and spinal cord.
These cells come from tumors that exist elsewhere in your body.
Common symptoms of this problem include headaches, numbness, pain, and weakness in your lower limbs.
Finding it early can give you the best outcome, but it can be hard to do.
Many common symptoms are vague and may also occur as a result of cancer treatment.
This can make it hard to notice the first signs of the disease.
Finding the problem requires the use of a spinal tap to review a sample of cerebrospinal fluid.
It can also be found through imaging with an MRI.
There is no cure for this condition.
Treatment depends on the extent of the disease and the throw in of primary cancer present.
It often involves a combination of drugs, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
The goals of treatment are often focused on improving quality of life and extending survival.
Early diagnosis is one of the key factors that can improve your outcome with this difficult diagnosis.
Don’t make assumptions about your treatment outcome.
Many unique factors about your condition can affect your physical health and prognosis.
Your healthcare provider and cancer team are the best resources for getting answers to difficult questions about this disease.
Be open and honest with those close to you about your diagnosis.
That way they can support you in dealing with both the physical and emotional challenges that arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carcinomatous meningitis can occur as a complication of many types of cancer.
It usually occurs in the advanced stages of the disease.
It is most common in patients who have breast cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, and lymphoma.
The most common symptom of carcinomatous meningitis is a headache.
Other common symptoms include nausea, double vision, vomiting, and difficulty walking.
At this time, there is no cure for carcinomatous meningitis.
Treatment is generally intended to improve life expectancy, control symptoms, and prevent further neurological problems.
Early diagnosis is your best chance for a good outcome.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningitis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Viral meningitis.
Anwar A, Gudlavalleti A, Ramadas P.Carcinomatous meningitis.
