How to test for
brain cancer
If you suspect having
brain cancer, a no. of tests and diagnostic procedures may be recommended by
your doctor. The uncontrolled growth of cancer cells resulting in a malignant
tumour in the brain can be detected with some tests.
These tests for brain
cancer detection are:
Neurological exam
– This involves checking your hearing, vision, ability of balancing, muscle
coordination and reflexes. These tests would reveal the part of the brain that
is affected by a tumour growth.
Imaging tests –
MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) is a common test for diagnosing brain tumour.
It involves injection of a dye in your vein. Specialised MRI scans, such as
functional MRI, perfusion MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy help the
doctors evaluate the tumour and plan of treatment. Other imaging tests used for
diagnosis of cancer are computerised tomography (CT) and positron emission
tomography (PET).
Tests for spread of
cancer – Brain tumour can result from the transfer of cancer cells from any
other part of the body to the brain. If this is suspected, your doctor can
recommend procedures and tests for determining that such is indeed the case.
Lung cancer is often the originating cancer which spread to the brain. CT scans
can be done to evaluate whether that has happened if brain cancer is suspected.
Biopsy – It means
collection of a sample of abnormal tissue from the site of suspected cancer,
and testing it. Biopsy for diagnosis of brain cancer can be performed when the
patient is being operated for removal of brain tumour, or by extracting the
tissues by using a needle. The needle used for this purpose is called
stereotactic needle and it can be used for reaching out to areas that are very
sensitive. Such areas cannot be subjected to extensive operation because your
brain might be damaged. First of all, a small hole needs to be drilled into the
skull, after which tissue is removed using the needle, which is frequently
guided by CT or MRI scanning. The biopsy sample is then viewed under a microscope
to determine if it is cancerous or benign. This information is helpful in
guiding treatment.
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