Cervico medullary astrocytoma

How is cervico-medullary glioma diagnosed?

Diagnostic procedures for a cervico-medullary low-grade glioma may include:

• physical examination- your child may demonstrate increased pressure in the brain or difficulty moving her neck or arms
• computerized tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan)- a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays. For cervico-medullary low-grade gliomas, a CT scan of the brain is usually done.
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)- a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. For cervico-medullary low-grade gliomas, an MRI of the brain and spine is usually done.
• biopsy–To confirm the diagnosis, a tissue sample from the tumor may be taken using a needle during a simple surgical procedure.