STEREOTACTIC BIOPSY OF BRAIN-TUMORS

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 14  (4) , 275-283
Abstract
Stereotactic biopsies from deep-seated brain tumors were carried out in 302 patients. There were more men (58%) than women. Peak of prevalence was in the 2nd to 4th decade; the youngest patient was 18 mo. old. The tumors were deep-seated hemispheric in 36%; in the basal ganglia in 30%; the diencephalic region.sbd.hypothalamus and suprachiasmatic region.sbd.in 21%; and the midbrain and pineal region in 13%. The majority of lesions were gliomas (71%), the remaining being epithelial and various nonglial tumors. Operative mortality was 2.3%; transient deterioration was observed in 3%. Diagnosis was made instantly by cytological examination (smear preparations) and confirmed by conventional histological examination. In only 5% of the gliomas was a discrepancy found between the diagnosis from the smear preparation and the subsequent histological diagnosis. Integrating computerized tomography (CT) imaging techniques into the stereotactic technique makes it possible to take biopsies at exact and reproducible sites, and with low risk. Exploratory craniotomies, risky free-hand punctures and aspirations deep in the brain apparently can no longer be advocated. No radiation treatment should be considered without histological confirmation.