Symptoms occur if the tumor directly damages the nerve of the brain or if the growth of the tumor produces pressure on the brain. The symptoms usually develop slowly. The most common presentation of brain tumors is progressive neurologic deficit - usually motor weakness that occurs over weeks to years. Traditionally, the neurologic exam is the first test a patient will undergo when they complain of symptoms that may implicate the presence of a brain tumor. Memory and mental state are also included in a detailed neurologic exam.
Imaging techniques are also vital in detecting the presence of a brain tumor.
MRI has become a valuable test in diagnosing, localizing and even treating brain tumors. CT scan, which uses x-ray to create a picture of the brain, is also a valuable tool in diagnosing and treating brain tumors. The treatment of brain tumors is highly dependent on the type of tumor, where the tumor is located, the size of the tumor, the patient s age and overall health. The approach to treating brain tumors is to reduce the tumor as much as possible without causing harm to the normal brain. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and investigational techniques are used in the treatment of brain tumors.