What Is Astrocytoma?

Diagnostic Measures

Certain diagnostic measures must be taken to identify the cause of numerous neurologically-related symptoms that may indicate the presence of an astrocytoma or other brain tumors. Careful patient history, thorough clinical evaluation, characteristic physical findings, and several specialized tests are utilized in the diagnosis of an astrocytoma. Specialized tests used to identify an astrocytoma as the underlying problem include diagnostic imaging techniques such as CT and MRI scans. The specificity and sensitivity of these imaging techniques can be enhanced when intravenous contrast medium is administered to the patient during the scans. Careful administration of pre-medication can help physicians overcome a patient's allergy to dye in cases where contrast scans are necessary. Neuroimaging tests help a physician evaluate the size, location, and other characteristics of a patient's tumor. Once a tumor is confirmed, a brain tissue biopsy procedure is carried out to obtain a sample that is sent to the laboratory for a microscopic examination of the malignant cells to identify the tumor grade and type.

Discover how to treat an astrocytoma, along with the patient prognosis, next.