Stereotactic biopsy

What it is

A stereotactic biopsy is a precise, minimally invasive procedure that uses image guidance (based on MRI or CT) to direct a needle to a tumor and remove a small tissue sample. It is used when a glioma is deep, in a critical location, or when full removal is not planned, providing tissue for diagnosis without major surgery.

Understanding Stereotactic biopsy

"Stereotactic" refers to using precise three-dimensional coordinates (from imaging) to target a specific point in the brain. In a stereotactic biopsy, this guidance allows a surgeon to direct a thin needle through a small opening in the skull to the tumor and obtain a sample, with great accuracy and minimal disruption to surrounding brain. This approach is chosen when removing the tumor is not the goal or not safely possible — for example, when a tumor is deep, located in a critical area, or widespread — but tissue is still needed for diagnosis and molecular testing. The samples are then examined and tested to establish the integrated diagnosis. A stereotactic biopsy is generally a shorter, lower-risk procedure than open surgery, though it provides a smaller sample. Understanding stereotactic biopsy in gliomas clarifies a precise way to diagnose tumors that are not being removed.

Why it matters

Understanding stereotactic biopsy helps patients and families see how a precise, minimally invasive procedure can obtain a diagnosis when a glioma is deep or cannot be removed — providing essential tissue without major surgery.