Which imaging modality is commonly used for observing brain tumors?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is commonly used for observing brain tumors due to its exceptional ability to provide detailed images of the brain's soft tissues. MRI utilizes powerful magnets and radio waves to generate high-resolution images, which are particularly effective in distinguishing between different types of tissues. This is crucial for identifying the tumor’s size, location, and the relationship to surrounding structures, as well as detecting any edema or changes in tissue that may occur due to the presence of a tumor.

Besides its superior soft tissue contrast, MRI does not expose patients to ionizing radiation, making it a safer option for repeated imaging, which may be necessary for monitoring the progression of brain tumors or the effects of treatment. The use of different MRI sequences can also provide functional imaging capabilities, such as assessing blood flow or identifying metabolic changes in tissues.

While other imaging modalities, such as Computed Tomography (CT), can also be used for brain imaging and may be useful in emergent situations due to their speed, they typically provide less detail compared to MRI, especially in evaluating the intricate structures of the brain or characterizing tumors. X-ray and ultrasound are generally not suitable for observing brain tumors due to their limitations in visualizing soft tissue structures and the complexities of brain anatomy.