MR-imaging of the brain of neurologic asymptomatic patients with large cell or adenocarcinoma of the lung. Does it influence prognosis and treatment?

Non-small cell lung cancer and silent brain metastasis

“…With the increasingly widespread use of cranial computed tomography (CT) and cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to stage patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), it is common to detect small metastases, even in neurologically asymptomatic patients [1][2][3][4][5].…”

Routine screening by brain magnetic resonance imaging decreased the brain metastasis rate following surgery for lung adenocarcinoma

“…MR screening of the brain has been suggested for detecting occult brain metastasis in patients with potentially resectable lung cancer in order to avoid unnecessary thoracotomy [13,14]. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines have also recommended early MR screening of the brain in patients with stage II non-squamous tumors and those with greater than stage III tumors before curative resection [15].…”

Evaluation of Lung Cancer Patients with Distant Organ Metastasis

“…In patients with brain metastases; 70% of patients are asymptomatic and the most common symptom is headache. This is followed by focal sensory or motor loss, speech disorders and epileptic seizures 16 . In a study, there were no symptoms in the half the patients with brain metastases at initial diagnosis 8 .…”