[Early diagnosis and therapy of brain metastases. Goal: improved quality of life and perhaps extended survival].

Diagnosis of cerebral metastasis is based on specific anamnestic information, clinical-neurological symptomatology and appropriate imaging. On account of its high level of sensitivity, ready, availability and, in comparison with MRI, relatively low cost, CT scanning remains the most important imaging modality. Curative treatment is not possible. For palliation and, in part, long-term symptom-free survival, radiation is the modality of first choice. On no account must this possibility be neglected by adopting an attitude of therapeutic nihilism.