[Manifestations of cerebral metastases: diagnostic and therapeutic importance of research on their primary sites in 120 cases].

Among 120 cases of cerebral metastases, 62 primary sites were found. The diagnosis of the primary site was confirmed: --after the first investigations in 48 cases (in 90% of cases by anamnestic inquiry, clinical examination or chest X ray); --by the evolution of the disease in 5 cases; --by autopsy in 9 cases. The most frequent primary sites were lung (45%), digestive tract (17.7%), melanoma (8%) and ovary (6.5%). Among the identified cases, 25 received treatment for their primary cancer, but only 4 had a surgical resection. There was no significant difference in mean survival between the 2 groups (defined as primary site known or unknown); over all mean survival was 8 months. The early discovery of cerebral metastases suggests the advanced state of the disease. Therefore, investigations which cause the patient to suffer do not seem justified merely for research purposes.