Skull metastases primarily originate from cancers, with common primary sources including the lungs, breast, uterus, digestive tract, kidneys, adrenal glands, liver, prostate, thyroid, and other organs. Most cases result from hematogenous spread, while a few may occur via lymphatic metastasis. The skeleton is one of the common metastatic sites for advanced-stage cancers and also represents one of their clinical manifestations. Early stages are often asymptomatic, though localized pain may occasionally occur. As the tumor grows, a hemispherical mass may be palpable on the head. Treatment for skull metastases depends on the primary source and may involve radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or surgical resection. The prognosis for most patients is poor.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

1. Single or multiple small skull masses, painless or slightly painful, growing rapidly with gradually worsening pain. 2. The tumor has a broad base and feels hard to the touch; if the tumor is highly vascular, the scalp vessels appear abnormally tortuous and dilated; if the tumor is necrotic, a fluctuant sensation may be palpable. 3. Patients with a clear primary cancer source may exhibit corresponding organ symptoms and signs, often presenting at an advanced stage with poor general health.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

1. A clear diagnosis of primary cancer accompanied by the appearance of skull tumors should raise high suspicion of skull metastasis. Most patients are in an advanced stage of the disease with generally poor overall condition. 2. Single or multiple soft masses in the head, painless, rapidly growing, with a broad base and firm texture upon palpation. 3. Skull X-rays show metastatic areas as round bone destruction with smooth edges, without surrounding bone hyperplasia or periosteal reaction. 4. Biopsy confirms the diagnosis, and the histological morphology of skull metastasis is consistent with that of the primary cancer.

1. Single lesions can be treated surgically, supplemented with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. 2. Simultaneously treat the primary disease source, but sometimes the location of the primary disease source cannot be identified.

When it comes to cancer, people used to consider it a terminal illness, reacting with extreme fear. However, with the advancement of medical technology, the cure rate for cancer has significantly improved. If a rapidly growing head lump is discovered along with a primary cancer source, this condition should be considered, and a specialist should be consulted for examination to achieve early diagnosis and treatment, especially for the primary cancer. For cases where the primary cancer source has not been identified, in addition to treating the metastatic cancer source, active efforts should be made to locate the primary cancer source. Medical staff should adopt appropriate protective medical measures for some patients, clearly explaining the condition to the patient's family while withholding part of the diagnosis and disease details from the patient, gradually explaining the situation to them. This helps the patient accept reality, cooperate with treatment, and encourages them to build confidence in overcoming the disease. Treatment methods primarily involve comprehensive approaches such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Even for advanced-stage cancer, certain therapeutic effects can be achieved, extending the patient's life.

bubble_chart Cure Criteria

1. Cure: The mass disappears, symptoms disappear or significantly improve, and intracranial pressure returns to normal. 2. Improvement: The mass shrinks, symptoms are relieved or stabilized. 3. No recovery: The mass enlarges, intracranial pressure increases, and symptoms worsen.