Brain cancer diagnosis

If a patient suspects brain cancer, he is first referred to a neurologist who conducts an initial diagnosis. In addition, several laboratory tests are carried out to assess the general health condition of the patient and the functions of the most important organs: a general blood test, a coagulogram, and an analysis of the level of electrolytes, creatinine, and urea. In addition to general tests, a thorough neurological examination is performed. Neuroimaging techniques are used to detect tumors. The gold standard is magnetic resonance imaging with and without contrast. If MRI is unavailable or the patient has contraindications (claustrophobia, the presence of objects made of ferromagnets in the body), a computed tomography of the brain is performed. These methods detect a brain tumor and determine its size and location. MRI has a higher sensitivity to cancer tissue. Additional information can be obtained using PET, CT angiography, or other MRI modes. Intravenous contrast significantly increases the effectiveness of CT and MRI. It allows for much better detection of malignant tumors, including small metastases. A biopsy, as a final step - taking brain cells for subsequent examination under a microscope - can finally confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of cancer. However, tissue sampling is rarely necessary and usually combine with a neurosurgical operation.