CT-Sterotactic Biopsy of Brain Tumours

In every case of an unverified, progressive intracranial lesion its nature should be histologically confirmed whether it is a neoplasm or otherwise. This applies whatever its location, and whether there are solitary or multiple lesions. This is essential before the planning of any conservative or radiation treatment. The exception to this is when an open exploratory operation is primarily indicated, during the performance of which adequate biopsy material can be obtained for conventional histological examination. This holds true even today, when modern computer tomographic devices guarantee improved differential diagnosis. Experience with CT has proved, after the initial phase of the first few years, that as a result of misinterpretation of the CT scan diagnostic errors can occur and, as a result of this the selection of the wrong treatment or even the failure to achieve a cure.