Glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic astrocytoma

At Boston Children's Hospital, we know that the first step in treating your child is forming an accurate and complete diagnosis.

Your child’s physician may order a number of different tests to determine the type and location of the tumor. Diagnostic procedures for a glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic astrocytoma are used to determine the exact type of tumor and whether the tumor has spread.

In addition to a physical exam, a medical history and neurological exam (a test of your child’s reflexes, muscle strength, eye and mouth movement, coordination and alertness), diagnostic procedures for glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic astrocytoma may include:

• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): to produce detailed images of the brain and spine
   
• magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS): a test done along with MRI at specialized facilities that can detect the presence of particular organic compounds produced by the body's metabolism within sample tissue . This helps us identify tissue as either normal or tumor, and may be able to distinguish between different types of tumors.
   
• computerized tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan): to capture a detailed view of the body, and particularly helpful in examining bones and cerebral spinal fluid.
   
• biopsy or tissue sample from the tumor to provide definitive information about the type of tumor. This is collected during surgery.
   
• lumbar puncture (spinal tap): to remove a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and determine if any tumor cells have started to spread into this fluid

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.