Diagnosis: It is crucial to carefully document the general medical history and history of neurological symptoms for cases of brain tumor. In contrast to stroke, tumors produce symptoms of gradual, progressive onset. More malignant tumors (e.g., Grade 4 glioma) progress faster than less malignant or benign tumors (e.g., meningioma). Headache and seizures are early symptoms of brain tumor. Seizure involvement may be a clue to the location of the tumor.

Tumors of the cerebrum produce focal neurological impairment consistent with their location. Common clinical symptoms include language impairment (left hemisphere), visual-spatial disorder (right hemisphere) and contralateral hemiplegia (motor cortex or internal capsule lesions). Tumors involving the cerebellum produce ataxia. Visual field impairments result from lesions of the occipital lobe.

Lethargy, drowsiness, and gait disturbance suggest increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP) and further development of the tumor. These symptoms along with incontinence suggests the presence of hydrocephalus.

The evaluation of tumor by CT or MRI is extremely effective in visualizing the location of tumor, area of edema surrounding the tumor, the presence of hydrocephalus, the presence of hemorrhage and signs of increased ICP. These techniques are also used to evaluate tumor growth and the effectiveness of treatment. Recently, Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans have enabled the visualization of hyperactive and hypoactive tissue. Gliomas may show a 10-fold increase in uptake of radioactive glucose in comparison to surrounding tissue. Areas of necrotic or dysfunctional edematous tissue can also be visualized as areas of hypoactive tissue.

Cerebral angiography, a radiological procedure in which contrast dye is injected into the arterial system and X-ray images are taken, is often used to determine the extent of vascular components of the tumor. This is helpful in planning surgical interventions. Two angiograms are presented in the cerebral vascular sections of the atlas.

Treatment: Biopsy is sometimes used to determine the type of tumor. This may aid treatment or help in planning surgery.

Surgery: The effectiveness of surgery varies with the malignancy of the tumor and its accessibility to surgical approach. Benign tumors accessible to surgery are often cured with surgery alone. After surgical resection, most malignant gliomas (e.g. astrocytoma) recur within a short distance of the resection margin.

Radiation Therapy: CNS radiation therapy is widely used as treatment for tumors. Since the brain is relatively tolerant of radiation, 5000-6000 rads may be given over a period of six weeks. Since the full extent of tumors is usually unknown, radiation is usually given to the whole brain. Small radiation implants placed strategically in the area of the tumor have met with limited success. Radiation therapy is associated with risks of radiation necrosis. Radiation therapy will extend survival following surgery by 17 to 38 weeks.

Systemic Chemotherapy: Intravenous chemotherapy is minimally effective with CNS tumors. A major factor diminishing effectiveness is the inability of systemic treatments to pass the blood-brain barrier. Future systemic treatments may utilize the immune system to selectively attack tumor cells.