Brain Tumor

Diagnosing a brain tumor can be a complicated process and may involve several specialists. In some cases, though, healthcare providers may discover a brain tumor when performing imaging tests for another medical issue.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a brain tumor, your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam. They’ll also ask questions about your:

• Symptoms.
• Past and current health conditions.
• Current medications.
• Surgeries and medical treatments.
• Family medical history.

They may also perform a neurological exam, which involves looking for changes in your:

• Balance and coordination.
• Mental status.
• Hearing.
• Vision.
• Reflexes.

These changes can point to the part of your brain that may be affected by a tumor.

If your healthcare provider suspects you may have a brain tumor, a brain scan, most often an MRI, is usually the next step.

What tests will be done to diagnose a brain tumor?

Healthcare providers use several tests to diagnose a brain tumor, including:

• Brain MRI or CT scan: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best imaging test for identifying brain tumors. Computed tomography (CT) is a good alternative if you’re unable to undergo an MRI. Before these tests, a substance that makes the tumor easier to see called a contrast agent is injected into one of your veins. These tests can show the tumor’s size and exact position in specific detail. Your healthcare provider may also look at other parts of your body, such as your lungs, colon or breasts, to see if the tumor has spread.
• Biopsy: Healthcare providers usually need to do a biopsy of the tumor (removal of a sample of the tumor for examination under a microscope) to identify the type of tumor and if it’s cancerous. A neurosurgeon may perform a biopsy during surgery in which they remove all or part of the tumor. If the tumor is difficult to reach, they may perform a stereotactic biopsy, which involves creating a small hole in your skull and using a needle to take a sample of tissue from the tumor.
• Spinal tap (lumbar puncture): For this procedure, your healthcare provider uses a small needle to remove cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from around your spine. A laboratory examines this fluid to look for cancer cells. Healthcare providers use this procedure when they suspect that the tumor has invaded the layers of tissues that cover your brain (meninges).
• Specialized tests: Certain tests can sometimes help with the diagnosis. For example, your healthcare provider may order tests that check your blood and cerebrospinal fluid for substances that certain tumors release called tumor markers. They can also test for gene abnormalities that are characteristic of certain tumors.