Brain Cancer Diagnosis

Brain cancer refers to malignant tumors occurring in brain tissue or meninges. Although the incidence is not high, due to its special location, once it occurs, it can rapidly affect key neurological functions such as speech, movement, and cognition. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, it often causes irreversible neurological damage and can even be life-threatening. Therefore, early detection and precise diagnosis of brain cancer are of critical clinical significance. Current diagnostic methods mainly rely on imaging examinations combined with clinical symptoms, with definitive diagnosis achieved through tissue biopsy.

Diagnostic Basis

1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI is the most commonly used neuroimaging tool for diagnosing brain cancer. It clearly shows the tumor’s location, size, boundaries, and whether it has invaded surrounding structures. Enhanced MRI further distinguishes tumor types and malignancy grades, especially useful in identifying gliomas and medulloblastomas.

2. Computed Tomography (CT)
CT is suitable for patients with acute symptoms, providing quick evaluation of intracranial bleeding, mass effect, and cerebral edema. Although its resolution is lower than MRI, it plays an important role in emergency or preoperative rapid assessment. CT can also serve as an alternative when MRI is not feasible.

3. Electroencephalogram (EEG) and neurological function tests
For patients with seizures or consciousness disturbances, EEG helps assess abnormal brain electrical activity, indirectly suggesting tumor-related dysfunction. Cognitive function tests, language assessments, and similar evaluations also help determine the brain region involved.

4. PET-CT metabolic scanning
Positron emission tomography combined with CT imaging evaluates metabolic activity of tumor tissues, helping to preliminarily determine malignancy. It is valuable for planning surgery and radiochemotherapy strategies and is especially effective in distinguishing recurrence from necrosis.

5. Fundus examination and visual field testing
Some brain cancers increase intracranial pressure, affecting the optic nerve, leading to papilledema or visual field defects. Ophthalmic examinations are important supplementary methods for assessing intracranial pressure and indirectly detecting brain tumors, particularly useful in pediatric patients.

6. Lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid analysis
For suspected meningeal metastases or central nervous system leukemia, cerebrospinal fluid analysis may be performed. Abnormal cells, proteins, or pressure changes in cerebrospinal fluid help determine the nature of the condition. However, the procedure must be performed cautiously to avoid sudden intracranial pressure changes.

7. Tissue biopsy and molecular pathology
Definitive diagnosis of brain cancer ultimately depends on pathological tissue obtained by surgery or biopsy. Immunohistochemistry and genetic mutation analysis further clarify tumor subtypes, providing evidence for targeted or immunotherapy. Intraoperative biopsy also helps assess resection range and surgical planning.

8. Genetic testing and personalized diagnosis
Certain brain cancers are closely associated with specific genetic mutations, such as IDH mutation and MGMT methylation. Blood or tissue testing for these biomarkers helps evaluate prognosis and select more precise personalized treatment approaches, a rapidly developing direction in recent years.

Conclusion

The diagnostic process for brain cancer requires multidisciplinary collaboration, integrating imaging, functional, molecular, and pathological information. Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that early and precise diagnosis is the key to prolonging survival and improving quality of life.