Brain Tumor Grades: Biopsy and Prognosis

A pathologist will examine a patient’s biopsy sample to determine the exact type of tumor, whether the tumor is it is benign or malignant and how serious it is (its grade).

Brain tumor grading system:

A changing diagnosis

The grade of a brain tumor might change. Reasons for this include:

• Brain tumors sometimes change (usually to a higher grade)
• The biopsy sample might not represent the entire tumor

A change from a low-grade tumor to a high-grade tumor happens more often in adults than in children.

Making the diagnosis without a biopsy

If doctors cannot perform a biopsy, they will diagnose the brain tumor and determine a treatment plan based on other test results.

To request a consultation or appointment, call 410-955-6406.