How is brain cancer diagnosed?
A number of tests will be performed to investigate symptoms of brain cancer and confirm a diagnosis. Some of the more common tests include:1
- a physical examination
- imaging tests such as a computerised tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- taking a sample of tissue (biopsy) from the brain for examination under a microscope
- genetic tests.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (US) (2016). NCCN guidelines for patients: brain cancer – gliomas, version 1.2016 https://www.nccn.org/patientresources/patient-resources/guidelines-for-patients/guidelines-for-patients-details?patientGuidelineId=5
Cancer Council Australia (2020). Brain cancer https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/brain-cancer
American Cancer Society (2020). Brain and spinal cord tumors in adults https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults.html