Current imaging techniques for the evaluation of brain neoplasms

The purpose of this article is to discuss the current imaging approaches and new techniques that have been developed in the examination and management of the patient with a brain neoplasm. These approaches and techniques include 1) functional imaging, perfusion, diffusion, localization of task activation, and dynamic circulatory changes; 2) three-dimensional imaging and techniques for tissue segmentation, surgical planning, and treatment planning; 3) positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography, brain tumor diagnosis, and separation of brain tumor from radiation necrosis; 4) in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy, brain tumor differentiation and grading, and evaluation of the effects of therapy; and 5) future directions in the evaluation of brain neoplasms.