investigations
Last edited 11/2018
- structural MRI (defined as T2 weighted, FLAIR, DWI series and T1 pre- and
post-contrast volume) is the initial diagnostic test of choice for suspected
brain metastases, unless MRI is contraindicated
- to help establish current disease status, offer extracranial imaging (appropriate
to the primary tumour type) to people with any radiologically suspected brain
metastases that may be suitable for focal treatment
- all intracranial and extracranial diagnostic imaging and, if appropriate,
biopsy of extracranial disease, should be performed before referral to the
neuro-oncology multidisciplinary team
- chest x-ray and a thorough clinical examination must be performed to identify the primary lesion. Biopsy or decompression to provide a tissue diagnosis may be used when the primary is unidentifiable
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