ABSTRACT
Conventional MR imaging findings in a number of intracranial masses are sometimes nonspecific and, despite the recent technological advancements, tumor characterization and grading can be a challenging process. Continual efforts are being made to assess the utility of advanced imaging techniques and enable the extraction of quantifiable features for the assessment of cerebral tumors in a reliable manner with consistent correlation and specific endpoints. Brain tumors constitute a diverse group of lesions originating from different cells within the central nervous system (CNS) and include a variety of histologic types with markedly different tumor growth rates. The chapter discusses the main types of brain tumors in an attempt to illustrate the potential ability of DWI/DTI, MRS, perfusion and fMRI techniques to contribute to a more accurate diagnosis. It must be noted that these are quite complicated relationships; hence, please keep in mind that they are indicative and can be altered, under certain conditions.
