ABSTRACT
Focal neurological signs may help to localize the tumour prior to imaging. Supratentorial tumours may present with hemiparesis, spasticity and seizures, optic pathway tumours with visual field and acuity deficits and optic atrophy. Imaging is an essential component in many aspects of brain tumour management – at diagnosis, guiding the surgical approach, assessing the response to treatment and in surveillance. MRI is the most sensitive technique currently available and the gold standard in neuro-oncology imaging. Functional MRI is used in brain tumours to assess the risk of neuro-surgical treatment for tumours in eloquent cortices controlling language, motor and memory functions. Multidisciplinary teamworking is central to the management of patients with brain tumours. Surgery provides tissue for histological diagnosis, allows rapid relief from the symptoms due to mass effect, may improve focal neurological defects, and allow cure in certain cases. Although surgery and radiotherapy are central to management, chemotherapy also has a role to play in several central nervous system malignancies.
