The Radiological Diagnosis of Primary Brain Tumours

The investigation of primary brain tumours has changed dramatically as a result of the development of Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Computed Tomography can be performed rapidly with little patient discomfort but artifacts degrade images of the posterior fossa. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the brain is a more sensitive procedure but it is time consuming. In addition not all patients are cooperative enough and some become claustrophobic in the scanner. Patients with cardiac pacemakers, aneurysm clips or intraoccular foreign bodies cannot be examined by MRI. These new modalities allow earlier diagnosis with less risk to the patient. The impact of early diagnosis in the treatment of malignant tumours is not clear, but in the case of benign tumours it will reduce the morbidity from operation.