Brain biopsy

A biopsy means taking and testing a small sample of tissue from your brain for examination under a microscope. A biopsy is usually done to find out what type of brain tumour you have and how fast it is growing (the grade). 

You may have a biopsy as part of an operation (surgery) to remove all or part of your tumour. 

The results of the brain biopsy will help your doctor plan your treatment.

You will have an MRI or CT scan to show where the tumour is.

People usually have a general anaesthetic for this procedure, so they are asleep during it. Occasionally people have the procedure done under a local anaesthetic.

Your doctor can make a small hole in your skull (burr hole) and put a fine needle in to collect the tissue samples. 

The doctors can also remove a small part of your skull that is near the tumour. This is called a craniotomy. Once the sample has been taken, they put the piece of skull back.

You may have a head frame fitted to help the surgeon to pinpoint exactly the right place.

You shouldn't feel anything during the test because you will have a local or general anaesthetic.

You may need to stay in hospital for several days after the biopsy. It depends on how the biospy is done. 

Some hospitals may do the surgery as a day case, which means you do not need to stay in hospital overnight. In this case, you will need someone to come to the ward to collect you, drive you home and stay with you overnight.

The biopsy is sent to the laboratory and examined by a doctor called a pathologist. 

How long will it take to get the results?

The length of time it takes to get biopsy results can vary, depending on:

• What tests were ordered
• If the sample needs to be sent to a lab out of the hospital you had the procedure in
• If your medical team wants to discuss the results at a MDM (multidisciplinary meeting)

How will I get the results?

In many cases, but not all, results are given in person. Sometimes, they are also given via phone call or letter / email.