Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Menu

Brain Tumour Biopsy

Brain Tumour Biopsy - What it is

Brain Tumour

  • A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells present from the brain or its nerves or its coverings
  • It can arise from cells inside the brain/nerves/brain coverings, and can be cancerous or noncancerous
  • It can also be a cancerous growth that has spread to the brain from a cancer present in another part of the body

Tumour Biopsy

  • In some brain cancer cases, removal of some tumour tissue (biopsy) to confirm its nature and its suitability for further treatment (radiation therapy, chemotherapy) may be all that can be done
  • This biopsy is done with MRI-guidance using a special metal frame (frame-based) or a computerised neuronavigation system (frameless)
  • It can be done under Local or General anaesthesia
  • A small scalp incision is needed
  • A small opening, the size of a 10 cent coin, is made in the skull bone
  • A biopsy needle is inserted to take out samples of the brain tumour tissue

Brain Tumour Biopsy Condition and Treatments

Brain Tumour Biopsy - Symptoms

Brain Tumour Biopsy - How to prevent?

Brain Tumour Biopsy - Causes and Risk Factors

Causes

Brain Tumour

  • Overall risk: 3-5%
  • Bleeding: Craniotomy to evacuate the clot may be necessary
  • Infection
  • Negative or inconclusive biopsy
  • Seizures
  • Stroke
  • Non-neurological risks:
    • Risks of general anaesthesia: Heart attack, lung problems, allergy to anaesthetic drugs, etc
    • Blockage of leg veins
    • Chest infection
    • Urinary tract infection
  • Death (remote possibility)

Brain Tumour Biopsy - Diagnosis

Brain Tumour Biopsy - Treatments

Treatment Options

After the Biopsy

  • Patients are expected to have same level of alertness as before procedure. They are not expected to be more awake or more drowsy
  • The scalp incision is covered with a small dressing
  • Histology results take a week or longer to be ready

What are the alternatives?

  • Observation i.e. non intervention: Proper treatment cannot be given as type of tumour is unknown. Repeat MRI/CT then biopsy if tumour has grown bigger
  • Radiation therapy/chemotherapy: Given usually when nature of tumour is known, because of risks

Craniotomy and Excision of Brain Tumour

  • This is a brain operation wherein the surgeon makes an opening in the skull bone and removes the brain tumour
  • It may be done under General or Local anaesthesia
  • A scalp incision is made over the area of the brain tumour
  • An opening will be made in the skull bone
  • The outer covering of the brain is opened to expose the brain and the tumour
  • Symptomatic relief from mass effect
  • Improve neurological condition
  • Decrease tumour size of the tumour to improve results of adjuvant therapy (radiation therapy, chemotherapy)
  • Histological diagnosis: No sampling error
  • Complete cure (benign) or improved survival (malignant)
  • The tumour is separated from normal brain and other important structures such as blood vessels and nerves, then removed
  • In cancerous tumours, tumour cells often spreads beyond tumour boundaries into adjacent “normal” brain, so it would not be possible to remove all of it
  • The aim is to remove as much tumour as is safely possible, without injuring the normal brain and other important structures
  • Tumour may be left
    • If stuck to important brain structures, blood vessels, or nerves,
    • If there is excessive bleeding or brain swelling during the operation
  • Second operation or other measures e.g. Radiotherapy/chemotherapy may be required to treat the remnant tumour

Risk Factors

Risks of Craniotomy and Excision of Brain Tumour

  • Overall risk: 5-10%
  • Bleeding: May need second operation to evacuate the blood clot
  • Infection
  • Seizures
  • Stroke
  • Brain swelling
  • Weakness on one side of the body
  • Inability to speak/understand speech
  • Inability to take care of oneself
  • Visual impairment
  • Hormonal and fluid and electrolyte problems (hypothalamic/pituitary tumours)
  • Risks of craniotomy and excision of brain tumour
  • Non-neurological risks:
    • Risks of general anaesthesia: Heart attack
    • Lung problems, allergy to anaesthetic drugs
    • Inability to pass urine
    • Blockage of leg veins
    • Chest infection
    • Urinary tract infection

Risks of Craniotomy amd Excision of Brain Tumour (Infratentorial)

  • Injury to the brainstem
    • Impaired consciousness
    • Possible need for ventilator support
  • Injury to cranial nerves
    • Double vision
    • Facial numbness, facial asymmetry
    • Loss of hearing
    • Difficulty swallowing
    • Slurring of speech
  • Hydrocephalus
    • May need to undergo a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt operation
  • Inability to speak (cerebellar mutism)
  • Involuntary head movements (titubation)
  • Difficulty with walking and balance

Brain Tumour Biopsy - Preparing for surgery

Brain Tumour Biopsy - Post-surgery care

Brain Tumour Biopsy - Other Information

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

TOP
Discover articles,videos, and guides afrom Singhealth's resources across the web. These information are collated, making healthy living much easier for everyone.