Chest X-rays Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Computerized tomography (CT scan) These procedures are non-invasive, which means that all the patient needs to do is wait for it to be finished. These procedures also don’t cause any discomfort or any side-effects, so they are completely safe and harmless.
Biopsy
If the neurologist does find a tumor, it needs to be confirmed if it is malignant or not. A malignant tumor means that it is cancerous, and treatment should start as soon as possible to stop the spread of cancer.
A biopsy is a procedure wherein a small sample of the suspected tissue is harvested from the body. Afterward, it is examined under a microscope to determine whether it’s cancerous or not.
Biopsies can be done as a part of surgery to remove a brain tumor, or a standalone procedure. If it’s the latter, then a tool called a stereotactic needle is typically used to retrieve a sample. Though, this is rarely done with brain tumors nowadays. If the tumor in the brain is metastatic and the primary tumor is more accessible, the primary tumor is subjected to a biopsy procedure instead.
Lumbar puncture
A lumbar puncture is a procedure wherein a sample of your cerebrospinal fluid is taken by inserting a needle into the spine. During this procedure, local anesthesia is typically used. The sample will then be studied to check for signs of a tumor or cancer.
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