Diagnosis of Childhood Central Nervous System Tumors

• Your signs and symptoms
• The age and general health status
• The type of cancer suspected
• The result of earlier medical tests

In addition to the physical examinations, the below-mentioned test can be used for the diagnosis of Central Nervous System tumors ^​2​:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – An MRI uses magnetic fields, not x-rays, to produce detailed body images. A specific dye known as contrast medium is given before the scan to create a better picture. This dye can be injected into a patient’s vein or given as a pill or liquid to swallow.
• Biopsy – A biopsy removes a small part of tissue to examine under a microscope. A biopsy can also be done as surgery to remove the entire tumor. The type of biopsy performed depends upon the position of the Central Nervous System tumor.
• CT scan – A CT scan clicks pictures of the body from inside using x-rays taken from different angles. A computer combines photos into a detailed, 3-dimensional image that shows abnormalities or tumors. Changes in the skull bone can also be seen on a CT scan, and it can be used to measure a Central Nervous System tumor’s size.
• Molecular testing of the tumor – Your doctor may recommend you to take laboratory tests on a Central Nervous System tumor sample to identify proteins, specific genes, and other factors, such as tumor markers, unique to the tumor. It is called molecular testing of the tumor. 

After diagnostic tests are done, your child’s doctor will review all of the results with you. If the diagnosis is a Central Nervous System tumor, these results help the doctor describe the tumor. This process is called staging and grading.

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