Learn about the flu shot, COVID-19 vaccine, and our masking policy »
New to MyHealth?
Manage Your Care From Anywhere.
Access your health information from any device with MyHealth. You can message your clinic, view lab results, schedule an appointment, and pay your bill.
ALREADY HAVE AN ACCESS CODE?
DON'T HAVE AN ACCESS CODE?
NEED MORE DETAILS?
MyHealth for Mobile
Get the iPhone MyHealth app »
Get the Android MyHealth app »
Diagnosis
Diagnosing Primary Brain Cancer
At the Stanford Brain Tumor Center, our neuro-oncologists begin your evaluation with a full neurological exam to check for changes based on the location of the tumor in the brain. A neurological exam includes the following tests:
- Balance and coordination
- Eye movement and vision
- Senses of hearing and touch (temperature and vibration sensation), if needed
- Cognition, including memory and abstract thinking
- Muscle strength
Your doctor will also review any imaging tests of your brain that you have already had. You may need further imaging tests if the scans are inconclusive. The most common scans we use include:
- CT scan (computerized tomography): A series of X-ray images at different angles that are combined to produce cross-sectional images
- MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging): The use of a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed cross-sectional images
Other exams that your doctor may need to confirm a diagnosis include:
- Biopsy: Surgical procedure to remove a small amount of tumor tissue for examination; used to confirm a diagnosis
- Blood tests: Specialized tests to measure hormone levels in your blood in case the pituitary gland may be causing abnormal levels
- EEG (electroencephalogram): The use of electrodes (small metal discs attached to your scalp) to transmit electrical impulses to measure the electrical activity in your brain; often used to check for seizures