the doctor starts by asking questions about your symptoms and taking a personal and family health history. then he or she performs a physical exam including a neurological exam. if there's reason to suspect a brain tumor the doctor may request one or more of the following tests: scanning tests such as a ct (cat) scan or mri to see detailed images of the brain. angiogram which involves the use of dye and x-rays of blood vessels in the brain to look for signs of blockage. spinal tap which examines fluid taken from the spinal cord. the doctor may also ask for a biopsy to determine whether or not the tumor is cancer. a tissue sample is removed from the brain either during surgery to remove the tumor or with a needle inserted through a small hole drilled into the skull before treatment is started. the sample is then sent to a laboratory to see if there is any cancer present.
how are brain tumors diagnosed?