Symptoms and diagnosis of central nervous system cancers

When the tumor is located in the brain, it can cause headaches, nausea or vomiting, epileptic seizures and, depending on its location, neurological disorders such as walking difficulties, language difficulties, visual problems, balance problems... These are all signs that may prompt consultation.

The first step towards diagnosis is based on medical imaging: the doctor first prescribes a CT or MRI scan to identify any tumors. A sample of the tumor is then taken for analysis (biopsy or tumor resection): at Institut Curie, a leader in the molecular characterization of tumors, this sample is analyzed in depth to detect abnormalities in tumor cells, such as genetic abnormalities, by sequencing. These analyses are used in conjunction with neuro-pathologists for precise diagnosis, and to detect genetic abnormalities in the tumor that could be the subject of targeted therapy.