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Kyla Miller Foundation
Joining in the
fight to end pediatric brain cancer...
P.O. Box 712 Dillsburg,
Pennsylvania 17019
(717) 259-9742
info@kylamillerfoundation.org |
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Diagnosing Brain Tumors |
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Diagnosis of brain and spinal cord tumors is done by
taking images of the brain and/or spinal cord.
Most brain tumor types can be diagnosed by the region of
the brain they are located in and how they look in the
images; however, true diagnosis is only obtained through
biopsy. When scanning images of the brain, a
substance called contrast (radioactive material) is
typically used and is administered intravenously.
Depending on the age of the child, anesthesia may also
be required due to the length of time it takes to
perform a complete scan of the brain and spinal cord.
Images of the brain and spinal cord are taken using the
following types of state-of-the-art equipment:
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Computed Tomography (CT) Scan - A CT Scan
uses digital geometric processing and ionizing
radiation to take two-dimensional images of the
brain in very small slices. These slices
can then be put together to create a three
dimensional image of the area being looked at.
The CT Scanner rotates around the part of the
body being scanned while the patient remains
stationary. CT Scans are typically quick
in nature and provide initial information for
brain tumor diagnosis. CT Scans may be
performed with or without contrast. |
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) -
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, scanning
provides detailed images of the body in any
plane using a powerful magnetic field to align
the nuclear magnetization of hydrogen atoms in
water in the body. Because MRI scanning
can provide a much greater contrast between
different soft tissues in the body, it shows a
much more detailed image versus the CT Scan.
This makes MRI much more useful and reliable in
showing anomalies in the brain. MRI scans
may be performed with or without contrast. |
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Proton Emission Tomography (PET) Scan -
PET scans are used to measure important body
functions, such as blood flow, oxygen use, and
sugar metabolism. They can also be used
when diagnosing cancer, whether the cancer has
spread, and what treatment plan might be most
effective. A radioactive substance is
injected or ingested into the body where it
accumulates in the organs being evaluated.
Gamma cameras used in conjunction with CT-type
scanning take pictures of the area and enhance
the region to detect anomalies. |
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Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Imaging (MRSI)
- MRSI machines perform virtual biopsies of
tumors. They are especially helpful in
determining changes in brain tumors. The
scan is performed on an MRI unit, and it
provides information on the chemical activity in
the area being scanned. Some tumors are
known to contain high levels of specific
chemicals, thus making it possible to determine
the size and stage of the tumor. Contrast
is not needed for this type of scan. |
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Biopsy - Biopsy is the only true method
for a complete diagnosis of the type of brain
tumor your child may have. When surgery is
possible, the surgeon will take a core sample of
the tumor and send it to the laboratory for
diagnosis. The remaining tumor that is
removed will also be sent to the laboratory for
its pathology report. Biopsies are not
always possible, and doctors must rely on
imaging results to make a diagnosis. |
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Kyla Miller Foundation is a Pennsylvania
state registered non-profit organization joining in the fight to
end pediatric brain cancer. KMF is named lovingly after
Kyla LeeAnne Miller, a loving and vibrant child who succumbed to
glioblastoma multiforme just two days shy of her tenth birthday.
Copyright
2008 - 2010 Kyla Miller Foundation. All rights reserved.
This site hosted by
Aardvark Computers. |
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