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The government is now operating in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.

How is brain cancer diagnosed?

Brain cancer diagnosis involves physical examination, imaging tests (CT or MRI), tissue biopsies, molecular testing, and lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid for cancer cells.

A number of tests will be performed to investigate symptoms of brain cancer and confirm a diagnosis. Some of the more common tests include:[1]

  • a physical examination
  • imaging tests such as a computerised tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • taking a sample of tissue (biopsy) from the brain for examination under a microscope.
  • molecular testing of biopsy sample to guide treatment options
  • lumbar puncture to look for cancer cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

References

  1. https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/understanding-brain-tumour-booklet
  2. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (US) (2016). NCCN guidelines for patients: brain cancer – gliomas, version 1.2016 https://www.nccn.org/patientresources/patient-resources/guidelines-for-patients/guidelines-for-patients-details?patientGuidelineId=5
  3. Cancer Council Australia (2020). Brain cancer https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/brain-cancer
  4. American Cancer Society (2020). Brain and spinal cord tumors in adults https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults.html
Last updated 18 September 2024
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