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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Nicola Davis Science correspondent

Brain tumour diagnosis could be made within hours, say researchers

Scientist viewing a brain while holding a sample
Rapid results could reveal whether more aggressive surgery is needed while the patient is in theatre. Photograph: Tek Image/Science Photo Library/Getty Images

A new method for diagnosing brain tumours could cut the time patients wait for treatments by weeks to hours and raise the possibility of novel types of therapy, researchers have said.

According to the Brain Tumour Charity, about 740,000 people around the world are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year, around half of which are non-cancerous. Once a brain tumour is found, a sample is taken during surgery and cells are immediately studied under a microscope by pathologists, who can often identify the type of tumour. However, genetic testing helps to make or confirm the diagnosis.

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