Comparing the Addition of Radiation Either Before or After Surgery for Patients With Brain Metastases

Inclusion Criteria: * Radiographic confirmation of 1-4 brain metastases, one of which requires resection, as defined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast obtained within 14 days prior to registration * The maximum diameter of the lesion to be resected on the post-contrast MRI, as measured on any orthogonal plane (axial, sagittal, coronal), must measure \>= 2.0 cm and =\< 5.0 cm. * The maximum diameter of any lesions which will not be resected must be =\< 4.0 cm in maximum diameter * Known active or history of invasive non-central nervous system (CNS) primary cancer based on documented pathologic diagnosis within the past 3 years * All brain metastases must be located \>= 5 mm from the optic chiasm and outside the brainstem * Patient is able to medically tolerate surgery and SRS * Lesions chosen for surgical therapy must be deemed appropriate targets for safe, gross total resection by the treating surgeon * History/physical examination within 14 days prior to registration * Age \>= 18 * Karnofsky performance status (KPS) \>= 60 within 14 days prior to registration * A negative urine or serum pregnancy test (in persons of childbearing potential) within =\< 14 days prior to registration. Childbearing potential is defined as any person who has experienced menarche and who has not undergone surgical sterilization (hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy) or who is not postmenopausal * Participants who are sexually active must agree to use medically acceptable for…