CT and MRI of brain tumors

Imaging plays a crucial role in the management of patients with brain tumors. The technical improvement of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MRI) with the development of, new imaging techniques strongly improved the detection and characterization of brain tumors. For the optimal therapeutic management of the oncologic patient not only the recognition of the lesion is needed, but also the exclusion of other diseases that can mimic brain tumors. The preoperative assessment of malignancy and of relationships of the tumor with surrounding eloquent structures are also necessary to allow the correct choice of therapy and to warn surgeons of possible risks of the surgical approach.