Brain cancer can be a debilitating illness; its symptoms are widespread and are not specific to this illness. Common symptoms of brain cancer are: headache, weakness, clumsiness and difficulty walking. Since these symptoms make it difficult to diagnose brain cancer alone, many physicians order diagnostic tests to see if a tumor is present in the brain.

Personal and family history

Consult your physician at the onset of symptoms and he will conduct a physical examination as well as ask questions about your personal and family medical history. In addition to a general health examination, your doctor may also conduct a neurological exam that includes examining the eyes to check for swelling that could be a result of a tumor pushing on the nerve that links the eyes and the brain. He will also look for level of alertness, coordination, reflexes, strength and response to pain.

CAT scan

Depending on the results of the neurological and physical examination, your physician may order a CT or CAT scan, which takes pictures of the brain through a computer hooked to an X-ray machine. They inject a dye into the vein to help show the contrast between the tissues.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Conducting a Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI, will provide pictures of the brain by using a high-powered magnet that is connected to a computer. An MRI can see through the bones and tissue to help diagnose a tumor. A dye may be injected to show the contrast between the tumor and the brain tissue.

Skull X-ray or brain scan

Changes in the skull caused by the tumor can be seen in a skull X-ray. The test can also reveal a calcium deposit, which can be prevalent in certain brain tumors. A brain scan can detect abnormal growth in the brain and records the findings on film. They conduct the test by injecting a minor amount of radioactive material into a vein and it is absorbed by the tumor. The dye helps the tumor to be seen and the radiation is not harmful and leaves the body within a few hours.

Angiogram or arteriogram

Testing for a brain tumor can also be done with an angiogram or arteriogram, which is an X-ray that is taken after a dye is administered into an artery. This test reveals the blood vessels of the brain, which can show a tumor that may lead to it. A myelogram, which is an X-ray of the spine, is also used. A dye is administered into the cerebrospinal fluid in the spine. The patient is placed on an angle so the dye mixes with the fluid. This test is carried out when the physician has reason to believe the tumor is in the spinal cord.