Correct differentiation between tumor masses and healthy edematous brain tissue is essential for successful surgical treatment of a malignant glioma. Unfortunately, without suitable imaging methods (intraoperative USG, CT or MRI), it is often impossible even for an experienced surgeon to determine the tumor edges. The author has presented the possibilities of using exogenous fluorophores (delta-aminolevulinic acid, protoporphyrins, fluorescein, etc.) and autofluorescence for peroperative visualization and delineation of tumor masses and normal brain tissue as a hopeful alternative to conventionally used intraoperative imaging methods.

        Key words: fluorescence, malignant glioma, delta-aminolevulinic acid, protoporphyrin, fluorescein