Tests
You have one or more of these tests to diagnose a brain or spinal cord tumour. If you are diagnosed with a brain tumour, you might have further tests to find out how big the tumour is and whether it has spread.
You usually have them as an outpatient.
MRI scan
An MRI scan can help to find where the tumour is and whether it has spread. Find out what to expect.
CT scan
You might have a CT scan of your brain to help diagnose a brain or spinal cord tumour. Find out what to expect.
PET scan
Read about having a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. Find out what it is, how you have it and what happens afterwards.
Brain angiogram
Find out about having an angiogram for a brain tumour including what it is, how you have it and what happens afterwards.
Biopsy for brain and spinal cord tumours
A biopsy may be done on its own or at the same time as surgery to treat the brain tumour. Find out what to expect during a brain tumour biopsy.
Lumbar puncture
A lumbar puncture is a test to check the fluid that circulates around the brain and spinal cord.
Neuroendoscopy to take a sample of tissue
You may have a neuroendoscopy to take a sample of tissue from a brain tumour.
Blood tests
Blood tests can check your general health and help to diagnose certain types of brain tumours.
Physical examination
Find out what happens during a physical examination and how your doctor tests your nervous system (neurological examination).
