Brain tumors are often diagnosed when a patient notices a problem such as headache, numbness, weakness, trouble with vision, or difficulty walking.  In some cases, patients may have developed a seizure.  For patients with these symptoms, a CAT scan or MRI scan often reveals a mass in the brain.

The first step in the process is to establish a diagnosis.  While the MRI or CT scan provides a picture of the tumor, it does not tell us exactly what it is.  It is very important to determine exactly what type of tumor it is.  Once an image of the mass is obtained with MRI or CT scanning, and a diagnosis of a tumor is suspected, most patients are then referred to a specialist – usually a neuro-oncologist, radiation oncologist, or neurosurgeon – to discuss treatment options.  During your appointment, your doctor will review your films, do a careful neurological exam, and develop a treatment plan for you.  The plan may involve additional diagnostic studies.  These tests are like pieces of a puzzle – which help your doctors complete the picture.  Your plan may include surgery to biopsy the tumor or remove it, or it may involve further evaluation by a neuro-oncologist or radiation oncologist. So, first to establish a diagnosis contact the Vanderbilt Neurosurgery Clinic at 615-322-7417.

If you would like to look ahead at what other steps might be involved, just click the next step.