Metastatic neoplasms to the brain

The incidence, pathogenesis, pathology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of metastatic brain tumors are reviewed. The efficacy of the present diagnostic techniques is discussed. The results of brain scanning and/or computerized axial tomography should be confirmed with cerebral angiography to determine as accurately as possible the site and number of metastatic lesions. The treatment of choice at the present time for patients with brain metastases is surgical excision, if the lesion is solitary and is located in an accessible area in a patient who is in good condition. The bases for this choice include palliation of symptoms, prolongation of survival, and identification of a lesion--benign or non-metastatic--which may respond to a specific form of therapy.