Brain metastases diagnosis

As a rule, brain metastases are diagnosed by an oncologist and a neurosurgeon based on symptoms and additional examinations. An important role is played by medical data: suspicion of malignant tumors or the presence of already diagnosed cancer outside the brain. «Gold standard» in brain metastases diagnosing - magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). During this study, images of internal brain structures are obtained using a strong magnetic field. The doctor can confirm the metastasis's number, size, and location based on the pictures. The complete information is obtained during the MRI with contrast. Also, oncologists' arsenal includes angiography, brain CT scan, and positron emission tomography. A biopsy is a study in which a doctor obtains and examines a tissue fragment for cancer cells. Suppose a person has already been diagnosed with cancer in another organ and suspected lesions in the brain. In that case, there is usually no need for this step. However, a biopsy is necessary if there are foci in the brain, but the primary tumor was not found yet. At the same time, for many brain lesions, doctors avoid biopsy and go directly with surgery. The results obtained from the diagnostic tests allow for choosing the most effective treatment that will help relieve the condition and extend the life.