In a needle biopsy, a needle is placed into the incision to get a small portion of the tumor tissue by making a small hole in the skull. The needle, which is narrow and hollow, is used to obtain the tissue sample.

On the other hand, a stereotactic biopsy is a 3D imaging technology. Specifically, this type of biopsy is an advanced procedure, as the data from CT scans and MRI scans are collected to examine the tumor or a piece of the brain. Moreover, a stereotactic biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that requires less incision to access the tumor and the brain.

In contrast, one of the most common types of biopsy is the open biopsy. Open biopsy, typically, is performed under general anesthesia. This procedure involves removing a portion of bone from the skull, which, in turn, allows for complete access to the brain and removal of the tumor. However, it is important to note that open biopsy is one of the riskier procedures compared to other brain biopsies, and it generally takes a longer time to heal.

A brain biopsy in India is a technique used to diagnose any illness related to the brain. In fact, a biopsy helps to plan treatment according to the illness. The top neurosurgeons in India, therefore, recommend brain biopsy to determine the type of tumor, whether it is cancerous or benign. Additionally, it helps in diagnosing Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a dementia-related illness. Moreover, brain biopsy also allows for the diagnosis of any infection or inflammatory disease.

However, brain biopsy is only recommended as the last option for diagnosing brain illnesses and is performed when imaging techniques fail to provide clear results. In cases like dementia, for instance, the biopsy can help with the diagnosis, but the treatment options remain uncertain. On the other hand, diseases such as Alzheimer's are only diagnosed through imaging tests.

Biopsy surgery is complex and risky too. But risk is also dependent on the type of biopsy. Needle and stereotactic biopsy are less invasive procedures than open biopsy. First of all, anesthesia has its own side effects and is high with the patients of dementia. All types of brain biopsies lead to swelling or bleeding in the brain. Some of the more risk of brain biopsy include:

Risks are reduced with advanced techniques like stereotactic equipment. In case the test remains unproven the procedure must be revised and repeated.

Brain biopsies are performed with a head ring that is placed on the patient and are secured with pins. In fact, imaging tests like CT scan and MRI are taken together with the biopsy, that too with the head ring in place.

In some cases, CT scan and MRI are taken before the biopsy, and the results are uploaded into surgical equipment.

In needle biopsy or stereotactic biopsy, a few incisions are made. After making a small hole into the skull, a needle is passed into the brain, and the biopsy is taken. In the case of highly advanced techniques, where the biopsy is controlled with the remote, the doctor navigates the needle during the survey by watching the monitor.

Once the surgery is completed, the incisions are closed or sutured. In an open biopsy, the bone flap is replaced with plates and wires. However, in case swelling or infection are noticed, the flap will not be replaced. This is known as craniectomy.

The total cost of the treatment may vary depending upon various factors such as, the experience of the surgeon, type of surgery, advancement of the equipment, location of the hospital and more. Still the cost of brain biopsy in India remains affordable and cheaper compared to other western nations. Indeed, India is among the top leading countries providing the best medical facilities. Also it is in the list of best advanced countries at most affordable costs.

A brain biopsy is a method to diagnose brain illness. The procedure, in fact, involves the removal of a tumor or a piece of tissue from the brain to examine under a microscope.

In fact, a biopsy helps to plan treatment according to the illness. The top neurosurgeons in India, therefore, recommend brain biopsy to determine the type of tumor, whether it is cancerous or benign.