Brain tumour biopsy

A biopsy is an operation where the surgeon removes a piece of the brain tumour. and sends it to be tested at a laboratory. A biopsy can help give an accurate diagnosis of the tumour. It is done to find out the type and grade of the tumour. Some types of tumour are also tested for genetic changes in the tumour cells. These are called molecular makers (biomarker) tests.

Sometimes a biopsy is done before you have any other treatment. More often it is done as part of a larger operation to remove the tumour.

The tests results give your doctor information about:

• how the tumour may behave and grow
• how the tumour might respond to treatment

Knowing this helps your doctors plan the best treatment for you.

How a brain tumour biopsy is done

A biopsy is usually done under a general anaesthetic in hospital. It is a short operation. Sometimes these are done as a day case. Some biopsies are occasionally done under local anaesthetic.

The surgeon uses scans taken before and sometimes during the operation to guide them while taking the biopsy. They may take the biopsy in the following ways:

• Through a small hole they drill in the skull.
• By removing a small piece of skull over the tumour (craniotomy). This is sometimes called an open biopsy. The piece of skull is put back after the biopsy has been taken.

The doctors and nurses will monitor you closely after the operation. It can take between 1 to 4 weeks to get results from the biopsy.

Waiting for test results

Waiting for test results can be a difficult time. It may take from a few days to a couple of weeks for the results of your tests to be ready. You may find it helpful to talk with your partner, your family or a close friend. Your specialist nurse can also provide support. You can also talk things over with one of our cancer support specialists for free on 0808 808 0000.

Driving and brain tumours

Following diagnosis and treatment for a brain tumour, most people will not be allowed to drive for a period of time. If you drive it is important to discuss with your doctor how your diagnosis and treatment for a brain tumour affects your right to drive.

If you have a driving licence, you must tell the licencing agency (DVLA or DVA) that you have been diagnosed with a brain tumour. We have more information about how a brain tumour may affect your right to drive.