The evaluation of brain cancer begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Some brain cancer patients have no findings on physical examination. In others, physical findings can suggest the specific location of the tumor in the brain.

Physical findings in those with brain cancer may include:

• Weakness on one side of the body:
• Arm weakness (unilateral)
• Leg weakness (unilateral)
• Arm and leg weakness (unilateral)
• Numbness on one side of the body:
• Arm numbness (unilateral)
• Leg numbness (unilateral)
• Arm and leg numbness (unilateral)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty with balance
• Difficulty speaking
• Facial weakness:
• Facial drooping
• Loss of coordination
• Memory loss
• Confusion
• Vision changes:
• Double vision

The diagnosis of brain cancer requires testing.

Tests that may be used to evaluate brain cancer include:

• CT scanning of the brain
• MRI scan of the brain
• SPECT scanning: a newer method that may provide earlier detection of stroke in some cases
• PET scanning: detects levels of brain activity
• Blood clotting studies
• Kidney profile
• Serum glucose
• Pulse oximetry
• Brain biopsy