After finding out you have a brain tumor, your doctor may recommend a biopsy. During this procedure, a neurosurgeon takes a small sample of tissue from the lesion (abnormal area) for testing. The results help your care team confirm a diagnosis and guide decisions about next steps.
At Banner Health, we understand that waiting for answers can be difficult. Our experienced team of specialists will be by your side to help you understand your diagnosis, answer your questions and determine the next steps in your care. We take the time to understand your needs and create a plan that’s right for you.
A brain biopsy is often done when doctors need more information about an abnormal area in the brain. Imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, can show where the abnormal area is and what it looks like, but they might not always show what is causing it.
Your doctor might recommend a brain biopsy when:
During a brain biopsy, a neurosurgeon takes a small tissue sample from the abnormal part of the brain. The sample is examined by an expert pathologist to determine the diagnosis. Special molecular tests may also be performed to better understand the tumor’s characteristics, including how aggressive it may be.
There are two main types of brain biopsy: stereotactic needle biopsy and open biopsy. Your neurosurgeon will recommend the safest and most appropriate approach based on the location of the abnormal tissue and your overall health.
A stereotactic needle biopsy uses advanced imaging and computer guidance to help your neurosurgeon reach a specific area of the brain. It is often used when the abnormal tissue is deep within the brain or in a difficult-to-reach area.
During the procedure:
An open biopsy involves an operation called craniotomy. During craniotomy, a neurosurgeon temporarily removes a section of the skull to access the brain. The surgeon may remove a larger tissue sample or, when appropriate, remove part or all of the lesion during the same procedure.
An open biopsy is usually used when the lesion is not located in a deep area of the brain or near parts of the brain that control important functions.
Getting ready for a biopsy may take several weeks. During this time, your care team will give you instructions based on your procedure and health needs.
You may need to:
Ask your care team any questions you have before your biopsy. Be sure to tell them about all medications and supplements you take.
This kind of biopsy is done while you are under general anesthesia (asleep). In some cases, your doctor may recommend an awake brain biopsy to monitor important brain functions during the procedure.
During a brain biopsy, your neurosurgeon will:
The procedure length depends on the biopsy type and the location of the abnormal tissue. Your doctor will explain what to expect before your procedure.
Your recovery after a brain biopsy depends on the type of biopsy and your overall health. You might stay in the hospital for a short time so your care team can monitor you. Make sure someone can drive you home after you leave the hospital.
After the biopsy, you might feel nauseous, have a headache, some soreness or feel tired. These symptoms are usually mild and can be controlled with medicine.
Before you go home, you will receive instructions on how to care for yourself and which activities to avoid while you recover.
You might need to:
A pathologist examines your brain tissue sample to determine what is causing the abnormal area. Some results may be available within a few days. Additional testing may take longer.
Your neurosurgeon will review your results with you and explain what they mean. Depending on your diagnosis, your next steps may include:
Learn more about brain and skull base tumor treatment.
Like any brain procedure, a brain biopsy has risks. These may include:
These problems may be temporary or, rarely, permanent. The specific risks depend in part on the location of the abnormal area and the type of biopsy. Your neurosurgeon will discuss your individual risks and benefits before the procedure.
Your care team will give you instructions on what to watch for after your biopsy. Call your care team if you have any questions or concerns about your recovery.
Get medical help right away if you have:
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if your symptoms are severe or you believe you are having a medical emergency.
When you need a brain biopsy, you want an experienced team you can trust. At Banner Health, our neurosurgeons use advanced imaging tools and guided techniques to safely collect brain tissue for testing.
Your care is personalized to your diagnosis, the location of the abnormal tissue and your overall health. If you need more treatment, your neurosurgeon will work with other specialists like pathologists, neuro-oncologists and radiation oncologists to understand your results and plan your next steps.
From your diagnosis to follow-up, a team focused on your care will be with you every step of the way.
Yes. A brain biopsy is a neurosurgical procedure.
A brain biopsy may be needed when imaging tests cannot confirm a diagnosis. Testing a small amount of tissue can help identify the condition and decide how to treat it.
Only a small amount of tissue is usually needed for a brain biopsy. Your neurosurgeon carefully targets the abnormal area to collect enough tissue for an accurate diagnosis and any additional testing that may help guide treatment.
Most brain biopsies are done while you are asleep under general anesthesia. Sometimes, the doctor may choose to do the biopsy while you are awake so they can check important brain functions.
Recovery time depends on the type of biopsy and your health. Your doctor will tell you when you can go back to normal activities.
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