Brain tumor CT: Difference between revisions

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==Overview==
==Overview==
Imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis of brain tumors. Early imaging methods—invasive and sometimes dangerous—such as [[pneumoencephalography]] and cerebral [[angiography]], have been abandoned in recent times in favor of  non-invasive, high-resolution modalities, such as [[computed tomography]] (CT) and especially [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI).
Imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis of brain tumors. On head CT scan, brain cancer is characterized by hypodense mass lesions.


==CT==
==CT==
*Benign brain tumors often show up as hypodense (darker than brain tissue) mass lesions on cranial CT-scans. [[Contrast agent]] uptake, sometimes in characteristic patterns, can be demonstrated on either CT or MRI-scans in most malignant primary and metastatic brain tumors.  This is due to the fact that these tumors disrupt the normal functioning of the [[blood-brain barrier]] and lead to an increase in its [[permeability]].
*Benign brain tumors often show up as '''hypodense''' (darker than brain tissue) mass lesions on cranial CT-scans. [[Contrast agent]] uptake, sometimes in characteristic patterns, can be demonstrated on either CT in most malignant primary and metastatic brain tumors.  This is due to the fact that these tumors disrupt the normal functioning of the [[blood-brain barrier]] and lead to an increase in its [[permeability]].


*Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have complementary roles in the diagnosis of CNS neoplasms.<ref> Hutter A, Schwetye KE, Bierhals AJ, et al.: Brain neoplasms: epidemiology, diagnosis, and prospects for cost-effective imaging. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 13 (2): 237-50, x-xi, 2003. </ref> <ref> Ricci PE: Imaging of adult brain tumors. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 9 (4): 651-69, 1999. </ref>The speed of CT is desirable for evaluating clinically unstable patients. CT is superior for detecting calcification, skull lesions, and hyperacute hemorrhage (bleeding less than 24-hours old) and helps direct differential diagnosis as well as immediate management.
*The speed of contrast-enhanced CT is desirable for evaluating clinically unstable patients. CT is superior for detecting calcification, skull lesions, and hyperacute hemorrhage (bleeding less than 24-hours old) and helps direct differential diagnosis as well as immediate management.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}


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[[Category:Disease]]
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Latest revision as of 20:41, 29 July 2020

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Brain tumor Microchapters

Patient Information

Overview

Classification

Adult brain tumors
Glioblastoma multiforme
Oligodendroglioma
Meningioma
Hemangioblastoma
Pituitary adenoma
Schwannoma
Primary CNS lymphoma
Childhood brain tumors
Pilocytic astrocytoma
Medulloblastoma
Ependymoma
Craniopharyngioma
Pinealoma
Metastasis
Lung cancer
Breast cancer
Melanoma
Gastrointestinal tract cancer
Renal cell carcinoma
Osteoblastoma
Head and neck cancer
Neuroblastoma
Lymphoma
Prostate cancer

Causes

Differentiating Brain Tumor from other Diseases

Overview

Imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis of brain tumors. On head CT scan, brain cancer is characterized by hypodense mass lesions.

CT

  • Benign brain tumors often show up as hypodense (darker than brain tissue) mass lesions on cranial CT-scans. Contrast agent uptake, sometimes in characteristic patterns, can be demonstrated on either CT in most malignant primary and metastatic brain tumors. This is due to the fact that these tumors disrupt the normal functioning of the blood-brain barrier and lead to an increase in its permeability.
  • The speed of contrast-enhanced CT is desirable for evaluating clinically unstable patients. CT is superior for detecting calcification, skull lesions, and hyperacute hemorrhage (bleeding less than 24-hours old) and helps direct differential diagnosis as well as immediate management.

References

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