If you develop any of the symptoms of a brain tumour, such as a persistent and severe headache, make an appointment to see your GP.
Your GP will examine you and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Your GP will examine the back of your eye and look for changes to the optic disc (the inside of the back of the eye) caused by an increase in pressure inside the skull. Raised pressure in the skull may indicate the presence of a tumour.
If a growth is suspected, you will be referred to a neurologist (brain and nerve specialist).
Referral to a specialist
The specialist will ask you about your medical history and symptoms. They will examine your nervous system, which may include tests of your:
- reflexes, such as your swallow reflex and knee-jerk reflex
- facial muscles (testing whether you can smile or grimace, for example)
- hearing and vision
- limb strength
- balance and co-ordination
- skin sensitivity to pinpricks, heat and cold
- mental agility (simple questions or arithmetic)
Diagnosis of brain tumour is made based on your symptoms, the examinations above and the results of certain tests (see below).
Tests
You may have some of the following tests to help diagnose a brain tumour:
- Computerised tomography (CT) scan. This produces a detailed picture of your brain using a series of X-rays.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. This produces a detailed picture of your brain using a strong magnetic field and radio waves.
- X-ray of the skull.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan. This produces an image of your brain by detecting radiation inside your head (after radiation is introduced into your body).
- Electroencephalogram (EEG). This uses electrodes to record your brain activity.
If a tumour is suspected, a biopsy (surgical removal of a small piece of tissue) may be taken to establish the type of tumour and the most effective treatment.
A biopsy involves making a small hole in the skull and using a fine needle to obtain the sample of tumour tissue. It involves a few days in hospital.
