How is a pathology report used to diagnose brain tumors?
A pathology report contains the analysis of brain tissue taken at the time of a craniotomy or needle biopsy. A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope. Further tests or analysis may be performed on the tumor tissue. Then the pathologist will write a pathology report, which provides the information needed to make a diagnosis of the tumor type. Sometimes the pathologist may not be able to make an exact diagnosis. This may be because more than one grade of tumor cells exists within the same tumor. [If cells of only one grade are removed and classified during a biopsy, it is possible that the tumor grade will be misdiagnosed. This is called a sampling error.] In some cases, the tissue may be sent to another institution for additional input. Top of Page • How can I find out more about the location and type of tumor in my brain? The NBTS Interactive Tour of the Brain illustrates parts of the brain and their functions.
