Many people diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord tumour first go to their GP because they are feeling unwell. Occasionally a brain tumour will be found during an eye check-up or on a scan for something unrelated, such as a head injury. Some people have sudden symptoms (such as severe headache, a seizure or loss of consciousness) and go straight to a hospital emergency department.
The doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history, and do a physical examination. If they suspect you have a brain or spinal cord tumour, you will be referred for more tests to confirm the diagnosis.
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For an overview of what to expect throughout your cancer care for high-grade glioma, visit Guides to Best Cancer Care – High Grade Glioma. This is a short guide to what is recommended, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
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A/Prof Lindy Jeffree, Neurosurgeon, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, QLD; Emma Daly, Neuro-oncology Clinical Nurse Consultant, Cabrini Health, VIC; A/Prof Andrew Davidson, Neurosurgeon, Victorian Gamma Knife Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, VIC; Beth Doggett, Consumer; Kate Fernandez, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Melissa Harrison, Allied Health Manager and Senior Neurological Physiotherapist, Advance Rehab Centre, NSW; A/Prof Rosemary Harrup, Director, Cancer and Blood Services, Royal Hobart Hospital, TAS; A/Prof Eng-Siew Koh, Radiation Oncologist, Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital and University of New South Wales, NSW; Andy Stokes, Consumer.
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