Question 1

how early can a brain tumor be detected on a cat scan or mri?

Accepted Answer

Do you have one?: You know, it’s remarkable how many young people post questions here about CT and MRI scans and brain tumors with never an explanation of why they’re interested. I wonder why they’re all so curious. They must be worried about SOMETHING. It depends on the type, size and location of the tumor, and whether the scan is properly configured to screen for tumors.

Question 2

if i had a mri oct2012 & cat scan in dec 2012 & both where normal should i b worried bout a brain tumor? can a ct scan show a brain tumor n the brain

Accepted Answer

No worry: Very unlikely you would have a brain tumor, and not have it show up on the tests you mention. Very unlikely it would develop since then.

Question 3

will a cat scan of my head rule out ms or a brain tumor better than mri? had one before but am having another one due to vertigo.im 18.am i in danger?

Accepted Answer

No: Mri is by far the test of choice for ms. Either way will detect brain tumors, but actual better picture of the tumor itself with a mri. There is no danger to mri. Cat scans have radiation, but your doctor will guide you in consultation with a radiologist as to which test is most appropriate for your symptoms.

Question 4

would a brain mri w/o contrast & a ct scan with and w/o contrast show a brain tumor causing symptoms? worried that it could have been missed.

Accepted Answer

MRI: A MRI with contrast is sufficient to detect evidence of a brain tumor. If there is any question as to whether a brain tumor is present or not, one can opt to repeat the MRI of the brain with contrast three months after the last MRI brain was obtained.

Question 5

if im in the er and they wanna check for a brain tumor by doing a ct scan. can i request an mri without contrast instead or is that not an option?

Accepted Answer

Yes/No: A ct scan has the advantage of being fast (and cheap from the insurance companies standpoint) and gives a good enough resolution as a screening test.  You can request an MRI without contrast, however, if something is found, you need to get another MRI scan which is a longer, and more expensive, time commitment.

Question 6

used to take aed from 6 years ago - 2 years ago. after eeg, ct scan and mri being clear i stopped meds. recently had a seizure and doc put me on tegretol and told me to visit after 3 weeks. my concern is can something bad develop like a brain tumor?

Accepted Answer

INTERPRETATION: In view of your history, the correct diagnosis is idiopathic epilepsy, not a brain tumor, and new seizure indicates chronic need for AED's.  I will provide a bias, as carbamazepine is a 50 yo drug, and we have numerous better tolerated meds now.  Suggest you check out far safer alternatives with a neurologist.

Question 7

what to do if i just got diagnosed with a brain tumor. can i get a printout copy of my ct can or mri?

Accepted Answer

CD: These days, radiology departments and practices make digital images, and provide patients with digital copies on a cd-rom.  You should certainly be able to obtain copies of any of your own medical images on request, and they will provide them on a cd.  "printouts" just are not done anymore.

Question 8

i just wanted to know can mri and a ct miss a brain tumor somehow?

Accepted Answer

Only if very small: If a tumor is very small, it is possible to miss.
A CT or MRI with contrast can be helpful

Question 9

potential for episodic mild central vertigo to be the lone presenting symptom of a brain tumor? only symptom & dr wants ct/mri. neuro exam perfect.

Accepted Answer

Possibly : Vertigo can have many reasons the most common being BPV : benign positional vertigo ... Obtaining MRI or CT to rule out other causes such as tumor etc is a wise idea specially if the vertigo is significant and has lasted a while ..

Question 10

can a brain tumor grow within 6mths i'm worried cuz i get pains n my head & headaches it's like a everyday thang i've had mri & ct 4mths ago i'm scare?

Accepted Answer

Probably not tumor: The chances that you have a brain tumor after four months after a negative had scanned are very very low. The headaches and symptoms you're feeling may be simple migraine headaches unrelated to any tumor it is worth your time to see a neurologist to evaluate the headaches if they continue.

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Doctor answers about:

Mri vs cat scan for brain tumor

A member asked:

How early can a brain tumor be detected on a cat scan or mri?

A member asked:

If i had a mri oct2012 & cat scan in dec 2012 & both where normal should i b worried bout a brain tumor? can a ct scan show a brain tumor n the brain

A member asked:

Will a cat scan of my head rule out ms or a brain tumor better than mri? had one before but am having another one due to vertigo.im 18.am i in danger?

A member asked:

Would a brain mri w/o contrast & a ct scan with and w/o contrast show a brain tumor causing symptoms? worried that it could have been missed.

A member asked:

If im in the er and they wanna check for a brain tumor by doing a ct scan. can i request an mri without contrast instead or is that not an option?

A member asked:

Used to take aed from 6 years ago - 2 years ago. after eeg, ct scan and mri being clear i stopped meds. recently had a seizure and doc put me on tegretol and told me to visit after 3 weeks. my concern is can something bad develop like a brain tumor?

A member asked:

What to do if i just got diagnosed with a brain tumor. can i get a printout copy of my ct can or mri?

A member asked:

I just wanted to know can mri and a ct miss a brain tumor somehow?

A member asked:

Potential for episodic mild central vertigo to be the lone presenting symptom of a brain tumor? only symptom & dr wants ct/mri. neuro exam perfect.

A member asked:

Can a brain tumor grow within 6mths i'm worried cuz i get pains n my head & headaches it's like a everyday thang i've had mri & ct 4mths ago i'm scare?

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