What is the process for determining the type of brain cancer? What tests are performed?

Topic Tags:  
Topic Tags:  
Done
Diseases:  
Diseases:  
Done
Emailz
1
Expert Answers

DavidReardonMD (Physician - Oncology - Hematology/Oncology (Verified) ) - 07 / 08 / 2012

The process for determining the type of brain cancer affecting a given patient is dependent on careful microscopic evaluation of a sample of the tumor from surgery. This job is performed by neuropathologists. In addition to carefully studying a tumor sample microscopically, neuropathologists will often perform additional tests on the tumor material to help define it as accurately as possible. Different proteins are known to be expressed at different levels by specific types of brain tumors. Neuropathologists can test for these differential protein expression patterns using a technique called immunohistochemistry. In addition, neuropathologists are increasingly evaluating tumor samples for various mutations in specific genes known to affect different types of brain tumors. These additional tests involve molecular biology techniques. A thorough evaluation of a tumor sample, including immunohistochemical and molecular biology tests can take 1-2 weeks.
Join Now to ask a follow-up question or share your experience!
We'll help guide and support you through treatments.
Similar Questions
What process is typically followed when determining the cost effectiveness of a new cancer treatment?
In preparation for neurosurgery, what imaging of the brain is typically performed?
What is the importance of the subtype in determining treatment for lung cancer?
How can you tell if a patient is too frail for cancer treatments? What tests are performed?
After breast cancer metastasizes, what pathology tests are performed on the new tumors? Does it depend on the location of the tumor?
Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.
Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.
Flag Content
Please explain why you are flagging this content. Thank you.
Cancel
Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.
Ok
Give a 'Thank you' to
Cancel
Close
Talk About Health
Add Answer

Close
1) Question:
2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?
Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
Newsletters
Close
Subscribe to our free updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts!
Your Email:
Q&A Workshop Announcements
(Featured experts, answers, tips, & latest news.)
Q&A Workshop Summaries
(Answer summaries from our expert Q&A workshops.)
Best of TalkAboutHealth (weekly)
(The week's best answers, news & support.)
TalkAboutHealth Benefits
(Custom health, wellness & medical promotions from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities, & new programs.)

Partners become a partner

© Copyright 2013 - Talk About Health - Privacy Policy | Terms of Service