Clinical Analysis of Metastatic Brain Tumors

ABSTRACT

The author analyzed 153 cases of metastatic brain tumors, including diagnostic and therapeutic aspects, who had been admitted to Yonsei University College of Medicine and Jeonju Presbyterian Medical Center from January, 1976 to August, 1983. Results obtained are as follows 1) Metastatic brain tumors constituted 16.5% of all brain tumors. 2) The majority of patients was in the age range of 41 to 60 years. 3) The most common primary tumor with brain metastasis was lung carcinoma(45.1%). 4) Headache was the single most common presenting symptom of cerebral metastasis. 5) The most frequent intracranial locations of metastatic brain tumors were parietal and frontal lobe. 6) The computed tomographic scan has become the single most valuable and accurate diagnostic tool for investigation of metastatic brain tumor. It was also important study in evaluating the effect of treatment. Multiplicity of lesions was an important diagnostic feature. Also densely enhancing, and homogeneous cortical mass surrounded by edema with finger-like projections was a common characteristic feature. 7) Combined therapy-surgical excision followed by whole brain radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy-had been shown to result in better prognosis than either modality alone. The 6 months survival rate of combined therapy was 66.7% and it was more efficient in prolonging the patient's quality of life than the other methods currently available. In some instances, admittedly rare, long-term survival could be achieved. When the metastatic mass was producing wevere neurological disability because of its location, and the prognosis was otherwise reasonable, significant palliation and improvement in the patient's neurological status could be secured by surgical removal.