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Home » Diagnosis

Diagnosis
The symptoms of brain cancer differ widely and it primarily depends on the part of the brain where the tumor is pressing on. Sometimes, even when the development of the tumor is quite slow, the developments of the symptoms are so gradual that they are hardly noticed. So, evaluating the symptoms and taking a medical history of the patient is the first step in diagnosis of brain cancer. If any indication about a brain tumor is found, then to confirm the brain cancer diagnosis various tests are conducted that includes a complete neurological examination, biopsy and certain imaging tests and studies. The imaging tests that help in the process of brain cancer diagnosis are Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan and Computed Tomography (CT) scan.
Stated below in details is the diagnostic process of brain tumor conducted by the imaging tests and biopsy.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan: This is a diagnostic test conducted for detecting brain cancer. In this imaging test electromagnetic energy creates detailed computer images of the brain taken from different angles. In this imaging test, abnormalities like edema or swelling of the brain tissue, and hemorrhage or bleeding can be detected. In some cases of MRI, a dye is injected in an intravenous manner for improving the contrast between a normal tissue and an abnormal mass formation.
  • Computed Tomography (CT) scan: This imaging test of the brain involves the usage of x-rays and a computer for obtaining the images of the brain. In this test often a dye in injected intravenously for improving the contrast between an abnormal mass formed and normal tissue. In this test, not only the tumor is seen, but sometimes also the type of tumor can be identified.
  • Position Emission Tomography (PET) scan: This imaging test helps the physician in evaluating the function of the brain and growth of cell by producing images of chemical and physical changes within the brain. A radiopharmaceutical substance is injected that is absorbed by tumor cells in the brain. The activities of brain are determined by the substance’s concentration, which is then fed into the computer for producing images of the brain.
  • Biopsy: To arrive at an accurate diagnosis of the brain tumor, examination of tumor tissue is the only way. In a biopsy, a small part of the tumor tissue is removed by the help of surgery and is then sent to the lab for being examined by a pathologist.
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