What primary cancers typically metastasize to the brain?

Breast and lung cancers are the most common primary sources of brain metastases. This is largely due to their high incidence and propensity to spread hematogenously. Breast cancer frequently metastasizes to the brain, often in patients with advanced-stage disease. Lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung carcinoma and small cell lung carcinoma, also shows a strong tendency to metastasize to the brain, with the latter having a particularly high incidence of central nervous system involvement.

The mechanism behind this can be partially attributed to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the brain, as well as the aggressive nature of these cancers. Both breast and lung cancer can infiltrate the brain parenchyma and lead to the development of metastatic lesions, which can exert mass effects and cause various neurological symptoms.

While other cancers may also metastasize to the brain, the ones listed in this option are among the most significant contributors. For instance, prostate and kidney cancers may spread to the brain less frequently, and while liver and colon cancers can metastasize to the brain, they are not among the primary sources when considering overall statistics. Pancreatic and testicular cancers are less commonly associated with cerebral metastasis compared to breast and lung cancers. This makes breast and lung cancers critical for