Successful treatment of a single cerebral metastasis from bronchogenic carcinoma.

Three patients with long-term survival after operations for a single cerebral metastasis from pulmonary cancer are reported as exceptions to the poor prognosis commonly associated with this disease. Evaluations at nine, five, and six years, respectively, after surgical treatment showed no evidence of recurrence. The pathology and the ramifications of computerized tomography and radiotherapy with respect to management of cerebral metastasis are discussed. In selected cases, aggressive treatment of both the primary and secondary lesions may result in prolonged and useful survival and even permanent cure.