This large series documents the characteristics of patients who developed cerebral metastases from melanoma. Median survival was dependent on treatment, which in turn was dependent on patient selection.

For the majority of patients with cerebral metastases from melanoma, surgery with adjuvant radiation therapy is a treatment option that improves neurological symptoms and produces minimal morbidity. Long-term survival (> 3 years) most likely occurs in patients with a single cerebral metastasis and no demonstrable extracranial disease. Reoperation for recurrent cerebral disease may be appropriate in selected cases.

No abstract