Executive Summary
Different tests are available to diagnose the development of Desmoplastic Infantile Ganglioglioma (DIG) Childhood tumors, depend on signs and symptoms, child’s age and health status, types of tumor, and earlier medical tests. Physical examination, imaging tests, and biopsies are the common diagnostic approaches for detecting the development of Desmoplastic Infantile Ganglioglioma (DIG) Childhood tumors. Not all these tests will be used in every child’s condition. The diagnostic procedure will depend upon the features and gravity of the tumor growth. Physical examination will include the prescription for conducting more tests and scans mainly to analyze child’s growth, development, vision, and brain function. The imaging tests include Computed tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. After the complete diagnosis is made, doctors will thoroughly examine the results and discuss the observations.
If desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma (DIG), a childhood tumor, is diagnosed, these test results will help the doctor describe the tumor in detail, especially the stage and grade of the tumor. The doctor will design the treatment strategy to treat and cure the disease condition based on these test results.
Diagnosis of Desmoplastic Infantile Ganglioglioma (DIG) Childhood Tumors
Doctors use various tests and scans to detect and examine a brain tumor like Desmoplastic Infantile Ganglioglioma (DIG), Childhood tumors. They use physical examination, imaging tests, and conduct biopsies to diagnose the disease. Some tests help the doctors learn the size of the tumor and its gravity of growth. Imaging tests can be used to detect whether the tumor has metastasized to nearby tissues or organs. Diagnosis of Desmoplastic Infantile Ganglioglioma, Childhood Tumors is crucial to decide the best treatment plan to treat and manage the disease 1.
A biopsy is a sure shot way for diagnosis of Desmoplastic Infantile Ganglioglioma Childhood Tumor. Hence doctors use the method widely to identify the presence of tumors in the body. In most cases, biopsy gives a clear result regarding tumor, and there is only a minimal chance that the method may not provide a definite diagnosis of of desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma tumor.
The doctor or healthcare team will consider several factors before choosing the diagnosis procedure for a patient’s desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma tumor condition. They include:
- The tumor type suspected
- Tumor Size
- Signs and symptoms experienced by the child
- child’s age and overall health
- Past medical history and results of medical tests
The following are the diagnostic procedures used to detect (DIG), Childhood Tumor. Not all these tests will be used in every child’s condition. The diagnostic procedure will depend upon the features and gravity of the tumor growth.
Physical Examination
The doctor will conduct a detailed physical examination of your child’s body and head (suspected areas). They will enquire about the signs and symptoms of desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma tumor that your child is experiencing. You may also be required to produce your child’s past medical history for reference. As per the physical examination, the doctor will prescribe more tests and scans, especially to analyze the child’s growth, development, vision, and brain function.
Biopsy
A biopsy refers to removing a tiny tissue sample from the suspected area to be examined under a microscope. A biopsy always gives a reliable diagnosis of desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma tumor; hence, doctors widely prefer it to detect tumors or abnormal growth. The collected sample is evaluated in the laboratory by a trained pathologist (a specialist in analyzing body tissues and detecting diseases or abnormalities). They assess the cells, tissues and organs to detect diseases. The results of the biopsy are extremely vital in designing the treatment strategy.
Imaging Tests
The doctor may recommend imaging tests like CT scans or MRI besides physical examination to diagnose any suspected tumor growth 2. Imaging tests provide precise results since these tests capture and portray the body’s interior. Clear diagnosis of desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma tumor will eventually help in the treatment and cure of the disease.
Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan.
Computed Tomography scans use X-rays to capture images of the body interior from different angles. A computer then combines these pictures into detailed three-dimensional pictures that portray abnormal growth. CT scans can also be used to measure desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma childhood tumor size. Sometimes a special dye called a contrast medium is administered to the patient, usually through the vein or sometimes as a pill or liquid before the imaging procedure to get detailed images.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
An MRI scan uses magnetic fields instead of x-rays to capture and produce detailed images of the body interior. MRI scans can also measure the size of the desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma childhood tumor 3. A dye called a contrast medium is given to the patient before the scan to capture clear pictures. The dye is usually administered intravenously.
Once all these diagnostic procedures are done, your child’s doctor will examine the results thoroughly and discuss the observations with you. If desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma (DIG), childhood tumor is diagnosed, these test results will help the doctor describe the tumor in detail, especially the stage and grade of the tumor. Based on these test results, the doctor will design the treatment strategy to treat and cure the disease condition.
References
- 1.Pasquale S, Dam A, Kelly C, Schubert R, Melville L. Progressive Disordered Movements in an Infant Leads to Rare Diagnosis. CPCEM. Published online February 23, 2017:53-55. doi:10.5811/cpcem.2016.12.32681
- 2.Kim HG, Lee SK, Shin HJ, Kim SH, Kim MJ, Lee MJ. Imaging Features of Infratentorial Desmoplastic Infantile and Non-Infantile Tumors. J Korean Soc Radiol. Published online 2016:49. doi:10.3348/jksr.2016.75.1.49
- 3.Trehan G, Bruge H, Vinchon M, et al. MR imaging in the diagnosis of desmoplastic infantile tumor: retrospective study of six cases. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2004;25(6):1028-1033. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15205142