Diagnosing a brain tumour typically involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, and various imaging tests.

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The doctor will begin by taking a detailed medical history, asking about symptoms, their onset, duration, and severity. They will also enquire about any relevant medical conditions and family history of brain tumours or other neurological disorders. A thorough physical examination, including neurological tests, will be conducted to assess motor function, reflexes, coordination, and sensation.

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Imaging Diagnosis

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is usually the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing brain tumours. MRI provides detailed images of the brain and can detect abnormalities such as tumours, their size, location, and any associated complications such as odema (swelling) or compression of surrounding structures.

• CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: CT scans may also be used to visualise brain tumours, especially in emergency situations where rapid imaging is needed. CT scans are useful for detecting acute bleeding or calcification within tumours.
   

Watch and Wait

"Watch and wait," also known as active surveillance, is an approach sometimes recommended by healthcare professionals, particularly for certain types of slow-growing or low-grade brain tumours. Rather than immediately starting aggressive treatment such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, the medical team closely monitors the tumour's progression over time.

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The decision to pursue a watch and wait approach is typically made after thorough evaluation of various factors, including the tumour's size, location, type, growth rate, and the individual's overall health and symptoms.

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Biopsy

In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to definitively diagnose the type of brain tumour. This involves removing a small sample of tissue from the tumor either through a surgical procedure or a less invasive method such as stereo tactic biopsy. The tissue sample is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to determine the tumour type and grade.

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Once a brain tumour is diagnosed, further tests may be conducted to determine the extent of the tumour and to guide treatment planning, including staging tests such as spinal MRI or PET-CT scans. A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, and radiation oncologists, may be involved in the management of the patient.

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Brain Angiogram

A brain angiogram, also known as cerebral angiography or intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (IADSA), is a medical procedure used to visualize the blood vessels in the brain. It provides detailed images that help doctors diagnose various conditions affecting the blood vessels.

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Lumbar Puncture

A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a medical procedure used to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the space around the spinal cord. While it is not typically used as the primary method for diagnosing brain tumors, it can provide valuable information that may support a diagnosis when combined with other tests and clinical evaluations.

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