Epidemiology of metastatic brain tumors.
Metastatic tumors are the most common brain tumors in adults, and their incidence is increasing. An accurate understanding of the epidemiology of metastatic brain tumors is useful for health care professionals to allocate appropriate clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and research resources. Reported incidences in the literature are derived from epidemiologic population-based studies; clinical studies from surgical, radiological, and autopsy series; and reviews of hospital and clinical medical records. Despite these various sources of information, an accurate incidence of metastatic brain tumors is difficult, and current figures are estimates at best. Here, we review the available data regarding the epidemiology of metastatic brain tumors.
Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Benjamin D
BD
Fox
Vincent J
VJ
Cheung
Akash J
AJ
Patel
Dima
D
Suki
Ganesh
G
Rao
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000556:secondary*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*