[Differential diagnostic signs of single and multiple metastases of cancer to the brain].

In 138 patients 81 had multiple cancer metastasis into the brain and 57 -- singular. The main significance for the differentiation of singular or multiple cancer metastasis of the brain are clinical signs. Singular metastasis attaining a significant size may be expressed in monofocal symptomatology. In a small number (2 or 3) of metastasis there is usually a well expressed multifocal neurological symptomatology, inasmuch as they also attain a rather large size and are frequently located in both hemispheres or supra- and subtentorially. In a large amount of metastases, although they are small, they involve different parts of the hemispheres and consequently mental changes become more expressed. Hypertensive and focal symptoms are slightly expressed or may be absent altogether. For purposes of differentiating singular or multiple foci of special importance may be contrast methods of investigation (carotid angigoraphy) and EEG.