Diagnosis

If it's suspected that your child has a brain tumor, the doctor may recommend several tests and procedures to aid in diagnosis and help determine treatment options.

• Neurological exam. This exam may include, among other things, checking your child's vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength and reflexes. Difficulty in certain areas may provide clues about the part of the brain that could be affected by a brain tumor.
• Imaging tests. Imaging tests help determine the location and size of the brain tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often done. It may be used along with specialized MRI, such as functional MRI or magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Other imaging tests include computerized tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET).
• Biopsy. Removing a sample of tissue for testing (biopsy) may be done as part of surgery to remove the brain tumor. Or if the brain tumor is hard to reach or in a sensitive area that might be damaged by extensive surgery, a stereotactic needle biopsy may be done. The pediatric neurosurgeon drills a small hole into the skull, inserts a thin needle through the hole and removes tissue using the needle. The biopsy sample is analyzed in a lab to determine the types of cells and their level of aggressiveness.
• Precision medicine diagnosis. In addition to traditional biopsy analysis, tumor tissue can also be tested for genetic mutations and the molecular basis of the tumor. Targeted drug therapy can then be tailored to the individual's needs.
• Tests to see if cancer has spread. If it's suspected that your child's brain tumor may be a result of cancer that has spread from another area of the body, the doctor may recommend tests and procedures to determine where the cancer started.