Astrocytoma CT
|
Astrocytoma Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Study |
|
Astrocytoma CT On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Astrocytoma CT |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
CT findings
- A Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan is necessary to characterize the anatomy of this tumor (size, location, consistency).
- CT will usually show distortion of third and lateral ventricles with displacement of anterior and middle cerebral arteries.
- A X-ray computed tomography (CT) or Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is necessary to characterize the extent of these tumors (size, location, consistency). CT will usually show distortion of third and lateral ventricles with displacement of anterior and middle cerebral arteries. Histologic analysis is necessary for grading diagnosis.
- In the first stage of diagnosis the doctor will take a history of symptoms and perform a basic neurological exam, including an eye exam and tests of vision, balance, coordination and mental status. The doctor will then require a computerized tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the patient's brain.
- During a CT scan, x rays of the patient's brain are taken from many different directions. These are then combined by a computer, producing a cross-sectional image of the brain.
- For an MRI, the patient relaxes in a tunnel-like instrument while the brain is subjected to changes of magnetic field. An image is produced based on the behavior of the brain's water molecules in response to the magnetic fields. A special dye may be injected into a vein before these scans to provide contrast and make tumors easier to identify.