Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis occurs when cancer cells infiltrate the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and travel in the flow around the brain and the spinal fluid. Some of these malignant cells attach to the meninges, the brain’s lining.
Since the cerebrospinal fluid not only flows around the brain, but also the spinal cord, some of the symptoms of leptomeningeal metastases relate to the spinal cord:
Other severe symptoms of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis may include inflammation or tumors which hinder the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which can lead to higher intracranial pressure and hydrocephalus.
Neuroimaging using a gadolinium-enhanced MRI, analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using cytology and flow cytometry along with additional laboratory testing, medical history and neurological symptoms are used to diagnose leptomeningeal metastases.
Advanced Treatments for Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis at NSPC
Treatments for leptomeningeal metastases are generally considered palliative, and are implemented to reduce symptoms, sustain neurogenic functioning, prolong life expectancy and improve quality of life. Neurological Surgery, P.C. (NSPC) is committed to providing the most advanced treatments, to offer the best possible results.
If a tumor has impeded your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and increased the intracranial pressure (ICP) or led to hydrocephalus, then reducing ICP by inserting a shunt in a ventrical in the brain may be required. Highly qualified neurosurgeons perform this procedure with the assistance of an expert surgical team, experienced in cranial surgeries.
The board-certified interventional neuroradiologists at NSPC treat bulky or large tumors with state-of-the-art stereotactic radiotherapy. Image-guided stereotactic radiosurgery, such as Gamma Knife® or CyberKnife®, provide targeted radiation beams to the tumor site.
Chemotherapy drugs are directly put into the spinal fluid either via an Ommaya reservoir or a lumbar puncture. An Ommaya reservoir allows chemotherapy to be delivered directly to the ventricles of the brain and into the CSF.
Neurological Surgery, P.C. (NSPC) is a leading private neurosurgical practice in the New York region with award-winning doctors with a range of subspecialities including interventional neuroradiology, neuro-oncology, neurophysiology, epileptology (epilepsy neurology), pain management and critical care neurology. Our highly skilled neurologist and neurosurgeons are leaders in the Long Island medical community and many hold chief of neurosurgery positions in NY area hospitals.
For over 50 years & 350,000 patients NSPC has been a trusted global medical leader.
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