Diagnosis of Brain Tumors
Condition InDepth
The doctor may ask about your symptoms and health history. A neurological exam may be done. Testing may help narrow down the cause of the problem.
Diagnosis of a Brain Tumor
These tests may be done:
- MRI scan (most common)
- CT scan
- MR angiography —shows blood vessels of the brain and blood supply to tumor
- CT angiography —shows blood vessels of the brain and blood supply to tumor
- PET scan
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References
- Adult central nervous system tumors treatment (PDQ®)–health professional version. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/brain/hp/adult-brain-treatment-pdq. Accessed July 13, 2021.
- Astrocytoma and oligodentroglioma in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/astrocytoma-and-oligodendroglioma-in-adults. Accessed July 13, 2021.
- Buerki RA, Horbinski C, et al. An overview of meningiomas. Future Oncology. 2018;14(21):2161-2177.
- Horinski C, Ligon KL, et al. The medical necessity of advanced molecular testing in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumor patients. Neuro Oncol. 2019;21(12):1498-1508.
- Lukas RV, Taylor JW, et al. Clinical neuro-oncology for the neurologist. Neurol Clin Pract. 2020;10(5):458-465.
- Lukas RV, Wainwright DA, et al. Newly diagnosed glioblastoma: a review on clinical management. Oncology. 2019;33(3):91-100.
- Meningioma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/meningioma. Accessed July 13, 2021.
- Overview of intracranial tumors. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/intracranial-and-spinal-tumors/overview-of-intracranial-tumors. Accessed July 14, 2021.
- Tests for brain and spinal cord tumors in adults. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html. Accessed July 14, 2021.
Contributors
- Rimas Lukas, MD
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