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Advanced Radiologic Imaging
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Related Conditions
 
The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, the state's only comprehensive cancer center, offers advanced radiologic imaging techniques, including MRI and PET scans, to brain cancer patients.
 
Brain tumors can be difficult to diagnose. Following a complete medical history and neurological examination, your physician may order a CT (computed tomography) scan or a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). CT and MRI use computer graphics to create an image of the brain.
 
Other advanced radiologic imaging may also be recommended, including: 
  • Spectroscopy is a type of MRI that looks at the tumor cell activity as compared to normal cell activity.
  • Stealth MRI scans provide additional information on the precise location and margins of the tumor.
  • Functional MRI scans are used to determine how close tumors are to the critical structures of the brain that may control such functions as speech, movement, vision and memory.
  • PET scans (positron-emission tomography) provide useful information regarding the brain tumor's metabolic activity.
  • MRI Angiogram/CT Angiogram scans enable physicians to understand the blood supply to the tumor and the effect of the tumor on normal blood vessels.
  • Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Perfusion MRI and Diffusion MRI are other advanced scans that may be useful in diagnosis or at follow-up after treatment.