Diffuse pontine glioma

The first step in treating your child is forming an accurate and complete diagnosis. Diffuse pontine glioma is most commonly diagnosed from radiologic studies such as a CT scan or more commonly MRI. The location of these tumors and their tendency to invade into normal tissue make biopsies complicated, although a biopsy may be performed if your child’s symptoms and other tests do not seem typical for the condition. Certain clinical trials require a biopsy as part of the therapy for diffuse pontine glioma.

Your child’s doctor will perform a complete medical and physical examination. In addition, your child’s physician may order some of the following tests:

• computerized tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan) — a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
   
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. MRI provides greater anatomical detail than CT scan and does a better job of distinguishing between tumors, tumor-related swelling and normal tissue.
   
• magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) — a test done along with an MRI. It can detect the presence of organic compounds within sample tissue that can identify the tissue as normal or tumor, and may also be able to tell if the tumor is a glial tumor or if it is of neuronal origin (originating in a neuron, instead of an astrocytic cell).

After we complete all necessary tests, our experts meet to review and discuss what they have learned about your child's condition. Then we will meet with you and your family to discuss the results and outline the best treatment options.