In Marc Jr Foundation’s DIPG awareness series, we have written about what is DIPG and its symptoms. In this article, we are going to understand more about the diagnosis of DIPG. We know that DIPG is a rare glial tumor, a cure for which hasn’t been found yet. As this tumor occurs in the pons of the brain stem, usually a biopsy is not possible.
A patient’s symptoms clinical history along with a Magnetic Image Resonance (MRI) scan can help diagnose DIPG. Through MRI detailed brain scans are created which allows medical professionals to check whether a tumor is present in the pontine segment of the brain.
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Machine
The margins of a DIPG tumor are not well-defined like other tumors. Sometimes a contrast agent is used before an MRI scan but it may not enhance a DIPG tumor. Once the presence of the tumor is ascertained, its position in the pons, its size, the way it presses on the brain tissue etc. are some of the things that help the doctors diagnose DIPG.
In rare cases, when the results of the MRI scan and the symptoms of the child are atypical, surgical biopsy may be performed. This procedure is considered to be very risky by medical professionals. According to The Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation, France used biopsies to diagnose DIPG.
Location of DIPG tumor in the brain | Source: medicpassion.com
Like DIPG, the diagnosis of the tumor is a taxing procedure that can take a toll on the family and the child. We request you to join our movement to raise awareness about DIPG and to generate funding for research to find a cure. It is a shocking reality that only 4% of the United States’ federal funding is dedicated for childhood cancer research, according to St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
You can volunteer, donate, or sponsor our events. Thank you, in advance.
Sources:
0 Comments