Tests

When the brain is affected by a tumour it functions abnormally and causes symptoms as described. Signs of damage can often be found on neurological examination. This is a detailed examination of nerve function in the body and can sometimes give a picture of likely pathology. Investigations used will depend on the cause of the problem and can include either alone or in combination:

• CT scan
• MRI scan
• X-rays
• Bone scan
• Blood tests – include tests to measure hormone function if a pituitary tumour is suspected.
• Lumbar puncture
• Angiogram
• Myelogram – this is an x-ray of the spine using contrast to examine the movement of CSF around the spine.
• Biopsy – this may done under general anaesthetic and involves making a ‘burr hole’ in the skull to put the biopsy needle through into the tumour. This will involve a few days stay in hospital. Biopsies can be done ‘stereotactically’ this means monitoring the biopsy as it is done using an MRI or CT scan; this is more likely to involve a local than a general anaesthetic but also involves a short stay in hospital.
• Neuroendoscopy – this is similar to other endoscopies using a thin flexible tube with a camera on the end to navigate through and examine the spaces in and around the brain normally occupied by the CSF. Neuroendoscopy examination will require a small burr hole to be made in the skull as access for the endoscope, a short stay in hospital is necessary.

Amended November 2009