Dr. John D. Lipani practices state-of-the-art neurosurgery in New Jersey and provides advanced treatment options for carcinomatous meningitis. Dr. Lipani has the knowledge, experience and expertise to correctly diagnose your condition and find a solution that best fits your needs.
Carcinomatous meningitis is caused by cancer cells that spread into the thin layers of tissue that surround and protect the brain and spine. Also known as leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, this condition is often diagnosed using an MRI scan and lumbar puncture to assess the constituents of the cerebral spinal fluid.
Carcinomatous meningitis is formed when cancer cells travel in the bloodstream from a cancer somewhere else in the body and attach to the meninges, or the tissue that surrounds the brain and spine. When the meninges becomes inflamed, pressure is applied to the brain and negative effects begin to take place. There are a few carcinomatous meningitis symptoms to look out for, including headaches, overall weakness of the body, confusion and nuchal rigidity (i.e. painful neck stiffness).
Since it is caused by cancer, carcinomatous meningitis treatment often includes chemotherapy and radiotherapy to the brain. Each of these treatments serves to stop the growth of tumor cells and to stop the inflammation of the meninges. Since many chemotherapeutic agents are not able to cross the blood brain barrier, direct infusion may be accomplished using an Ommaya reservoir. The Ommaya reservoir is placed under the scalp by the neurosurgeon and is later accessed by the medical oncologist to administer the chemotherapeutic agent.
For more information about carcinomatous meningitis or our carcinomatous meningitis treatment in New Jersey, contact the office of Dr. John D. Lipani at (609)-890-3400 today!
