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.
- molecular testing of biopsy sample to guide treatment options
- lumbar puncture to look for cancer cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
updated: 10 August 2023 - 11:18am
- https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/understanding-brain-tumour-booklet
- 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
