Forsyth Medical Center 
Stroke and Neurovascular Tests and Treatments
Brain Tumor Tests and Treatments
| From diagnosis to follow-up care, our physicians offer thorough treatment for brain tumors. |
Diagnostic Tests
Advances in computer technology have made possible the development of new methods for precise and detailed diagnostic imaging. Physicians and patients of Forsyth Medical Center have access to a variety of these methods, which include:
Angiography
Angiography is used to outline the presence and position of blood vessels in the brain. After injection of a contrast material (dye) into a deep artery, X-rays follow its flow throughout the blood vessels of the brain.
Computed Tomography (CT)
CT uses a sophisticated X-ray machine and a computer to create a detailed picture of the body's tissues and structures. A CT scan often gives doctors a good idea of a tumor's location and can sometimes help them determine the tumor's type. It can also help doctors detect swelling, bleeding and tumor recurrence.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI uses a magnetic field to distinguish between healthy and diseased tissue. MRI gives better pictures of tumors located near bone than CT and provides pictures from various angles, enabling doctors to construct a three-dimensional image of the tumor.
Functional MRI
This technique produces MRI images in a faster sequence than traditional MRIs. The speed at which images are produced makes functional MRI useful during surgery to show tumor bulk or for brain mapping. It can also be useful in distinguishing tumor from swelling (edema).
Treatments
Treatment for a brain tumor depends on a number of factors, such as the type, location and size of the tumor, as well as the patient's age and general health. After careful evaluation and diagnosis, the physician will develop an individualized treatment plan to fit the patient's medical needs.
Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are the three most commonly used treatments for brain tumors. Surgery to remove or debulk as much tumor as possible is usually the first step in treating a brain tumor. Radiation therapy then targets the remaining tumor with the goal of reducing its size or stabilizing it. Following treatment, some of the same tests used to first diagnose your tumor are repeated to monitor your progress and see if the tumor has disappeared, is shrinking, remains the same or has changed.
Techniques for treatment of brain tumors include:
Stereotactic radiosurgery
This involves precise delivery of radiation to a brain tumor.
Intra-operative MRI
Using intra-operative MRI allows for real-time imaging of the operative field.
Microsurgery
Neurosurgeons are able to get a magnified view of the operating area, making it easier to remove tumor tissue.
Ultrasonic aspirators
High frequency sound waves break up tumors; then an aspirator vacuums the tumor fragments.
Lasers
This concentrated light energy can help destroy tumor tissue.
