Brain biopsy

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Brain Biopsy

A Brain Biopsy (pronounced: brayn by-op-see) is a medical procedure that involves the removal of a small sample of brain tissue for examination. It is primarily used to diagnose abnormalities in the brain, such as tumors, infections, or inflammatory diseases.

Etymology

The term "biopsy" is derived from the Greek words "bios" (life) and "opsis" (view), which together mean "view of life". The term "brain" comes from the Old English "brægen", which means "brain".

Procedure

A brain biopsy is typically performed by a neurosurgeon. The procedure involves making a small hole in the skull, known as a burr hole, and inserting a thin needle to extract a sample of brain tissue. This sample is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to identify any abnormalities.

Types of Brain Biopsy

There are two main types of brain biopsy: needle biopsy and open biopsy. In a Needle Biopsy, a small needle is inserted through a hole in the skull to remove a sample of brain tissue. In an Open Biopsy, a larger section of the skull is removed to allow the surgeon to access and remove a larger piece of tissue.

Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, a brain biopsy carries some risks. These can include infection, bleeding, and damage to the surrounding brain tissue. The risk of complications is generally low, but can be higher in certain cases, such as when the biopsy is performed on a deep-seated or difficult-to-reach tumor.

Related Terms

  • Neurology: The branch of medicine that deals with the nervous system and its disorders.
  • Pathology: The study of disease, its causes, processes, development, and consequences.
  • Neurosurgery: The surgical specialty involved in the treatment of disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.

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