CT Scan vs. MRI: What’s the Difference? And How Do Doctors Choose Which Imaging Method to Use?
Learn the difference between CT Scan and MRI and how doctors use these imaging techniques to diagnose and stage cancer.
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To make a glioma diagnosis, Memorial Sloan Kettering doctors take several steps, which may include:
- A neurological exam. This test of a person’s vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength, and reflexes can provide clues about which part of the brain is affected by a tumor.
- Imaging tests. CT, PET, and MRI scans can help doctors determine the location and size of a tumor.
- A tissue biopsy. A sample of tumor tissue can be taken before or during surgery. If before surgery, a small hole is drilled in the skull where the needle is inserted. This sample is then sent to a pathologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing disease) to determine the exact type of tumor.
- Genetic testing. A DNA sequencing test, such as MSK-IMPACT™, may identify genetic mutations that drive a tumor’s growth. This may help determine the care plan our experts recommend.
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