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What is a Brain Biopsy?

M. DePietro
M. DePietro

A brain biopsy involves taking a sample of brain tissue to help diagnose certain conditions, such as brain cancer. It can also help determine if an infection or inflammation is present in the brain. The sample of tissue taken from the brain is usually small. A brain biopsy may also be done during an autopsy to study certain medical conditions and brain abnormalities.

The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia. Prior to the biopsy, a CT scan is done to locate the specific area of the brain where the sample will be taken from. A needle is used to obtain the tissue sample. The needle is inserted into the brain through a hole drilled into the skull. With the help of a computer imaging system, the surgeon is able to find the spot where the sample needs to be taken.

A brain biopsy may be conducted to determine whether a tumor found in the brain is cancerous or benign.
A brain biopsy may be conducted to determine whether a tumor found in the brain is cancerous or benign.

Depending on an individual's symptoms, a biopsy may be needed to confirm a diagnosis. After the sample is taken, a pathologist views the sample under a microscope. The pathologist identifies the type of cells present and can determine if there is any abnormal growth of the cells. This helps determine if a tumor found in the brain is cancerous or benign. If an infection is found, the type of organism responsible can be identified and appropriate treatment started.

Biopsies involve the surgical sampling of brain tissue for diagnostic purposes.
Biopsies involve the surgical sampling of brain tissue for diagnostic purposes.

Although a brain biopsy is invasive, it is considered safe. However there are always risks associated with any type of surgery, especially one involving the brain. The procedure is done under general anesthesia, and some people can have a negative reaction to the medications used. There is also a small risk of infection.

As the needle is inserted into the brain, it is possible an area of the brain can be injured, which can cause a variety of problems, such as issues with vision and speech. After a tissue sample is taken, a small amount of scar tissue can develop on the brain. The scar tissue can sometimes cause problems, such as seizures.

A CT scan will be done before a brain biopsy to locate the specific area of the brain where the sample needs to be taken from.
A CT scan will be done before a brain biopsy to locate the specific area of the brain where the sample needs to be taken from.

The brain biopsy usually takes a few hours and a patient will be monitored in the recovery room until the anesthesia wears off. Since the patient is asleep for the procedure, there is not much pain involved. During recovery, a patient may have mild to moderate pain in the area where the needle went into the skull. Most people do not have serious complications, however patients spend a few days in the hospital after the procedure. The results from a brain biopsy usually take a few days.

Discussion Comments

oasis11

@Sneakers41- I have heard of different types of brain tumors but some actually have a high recovery rate. It really depends on the type of tumor that it is. Hopefully the tumor will be benign. I hope your husband's coworker gets good news.

sneakers41

I wanted to say that a coworker of my husband’s is going in for a brain biopsy. She had been suffering from headaches for a while and her doctor suggested a CT scan. The results proved that she had a brain tumor but she still does not know if the tumor is malignant or not.

I really feel for her because she just went through a divorce and to have to go through this is awful. I hope that her tumor is benign. I imagine that the waiting for the results of the biopsy must be really difficult.

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    • A brain biopsy may be conducted to determine whether a tumor found in the brain is cancerous or benign.
      By: fotoliaxrender
      A brain biopsy may be conducted to determine whether a tumor found in the brain is cancerous or benign.
    • Biopsies involve the surgical sampling of brain tissue for diagnostic purposes.
      By: withGod
      Biopsies involve the surgical sampling of brain tissue for diagnostic purposes.
    • A CT scan will be done before a brain biopsy to locate the specific area of the brain where the sample needs to be taken from.
      By: Katrina Brown
      A CT scan will be done before a brain biopsy to locate the specific area of the brain where the sample needs to be taken from.
    • The brain biopsy usually takes a few hours, and a patient will be monitored until the anesthesia wears off.
      By: rob3000
      The brain biopsy usually takes a few hours, and a patient will be monitored until the anesthesia wears off.
    • During a brain biopsy, samples of tissue are taken from the brain and examined under a microscope.
      By: luchschen_shutter
      During a brain biopsy, samples of tissue are taken from the brain and examined under a microscope.
    • Forensic scientists may conduct a brain biopsy in the course of an autopsy.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Forensic scientists may conduct a brain biopsy in the course of an autopsy.