Neuroendoscopic and histopathological correlation in 13 cases of cystic fluid filled brain tumours.

Neuroendoscopical images of fluid-filled cavity walls within encephalic tumours in thirteen adult patients were correlated with histopathology results of samples harvested during surgery. Extensive vascular proliferation, with mesh-like formations in a 3D pattern, as well as onionskin appearance, were observed in malignant tumours, as opposed to normal or slightly increased vascular pattern, observed in benign neoplasms. Medical facilities lacking sufficient technical resources where limited pathologist experience is expected, and can be associated with intraoperative histological misdiagnosis. Detailed high quality endoscopical observations of tumour cavity walls may be helpful to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, and therefore, immediate surgical decisions can be made.