brain tumors

My husband complained of having violent dreams (he never used to have them).  We went to see his oncologist who ordered a CT scan.  Nothing showed up.  My husband continued to have violent dreams on and off.  He also had headaches in the forehead .  Half a year later, I found him having trouble walking a straight line (he acted like he was drunk),  and another CTscan found tumors in the front of his brain.  We were told it was metestatic colon cancer, and he died soon afterwards.  I would appreciate your input so that I can understand things a little better.  Thank you.  

[Michael Lim, MD]

I am sorry to hear about your husband.  Metastatic disease to the brain can sometimes start microscopically and cause symptoms before growing to masses that can be visualized on imaging.  In addition, tumor cells can also be in the fluid surrounding the brain causing further irritation.  Usually, when people present with lesions to the brain, it's indicative of advanced disease.