Assessing Brain Tumours through Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Techniques

Introduction: Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and early detection is crucial for improving outcomes. Brain tumors, characterized by abnormal cell growth in the brain, can be either benign or malignant. Although conventional MRI techniques are routinely used for diagnosis, they often lack the sensitivity needed for tumor grading and characterization. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) and the Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) in providing additional diagnostic information for brain tumors. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted involving 100 patients who underwent MRI examinations, including conventional and DWI, at a diagnostic radiology department between January 2022 and December 2024. The study employed a 1.5-T magnetic resonance scanner, with DWI analyzed using calculated ADC values. Data on demographics, MRI characteristics, and MRI findings were collected and analyzed using SPSS Version 27. Results: The mean age of participants was 43.2 years, with a gender distribution of 53% male and 47% female. The analysis showed that most lesions had irregular borders (42%) and heterogeneous characteristics (56%). Statistically significant associations were found between tumor border irregularity, edema type, and ADC values, with significant differences in ADC values correlating with tumor types. DWI indicated that most hyper-intense tumors showed mass restrictions, whereas hypo-intense tumors demonstrated no restrictions. Conclusion: This study highlights the critical role of DWI and ADC in enhancing the diagnostic accuracy of brain tumors. Integrating these advanced imaging techniques into routine MRI practices can significantly improve the differentiation and characterization of brain tumors, aiding in better clinical decision-making