What Does Leptomeningeal Mean?

Leptomeningeal: Having to do with the leptomeninges, the two innermost layers of tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. Leptomeningeal metastasis refers to cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to the leptomeninges.

What is Leptomeningeal?

Leptomeningeal disease occurs when cancer cells migrate from your breast, lung, or some other part of your body to your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This liquid circulates nutrients and chemicals to the brain and spinal cord.

Can you survive leptomeningeal disease?

This disease has a very low survival rate. With treatment, survival is about 3 to 6 months. Without treatment, survival is 4 to 6 weeks. The most common treatment for leptomeningeal disease is radiation therapy.