What is a bone marrow biopsy?
A bone marrow biopsy is a medical procedure used to extract a small sample of bone marrow—the soft, spongy tissue inside bones—for examination. Bone marrow is responsible for producing blood cells and analyzing it can provide important information about various blood disorders and diseases, including cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.
Who needs a bone marrow biopsy?
Doctors may recommend a bone marrow biopsy to:
- Diagnose or monitor blood disorders, such as anemia or thrombocytopenia.
- Detect blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma.
- Assess the progression of certain cancers to determine how well treatments are working.
- Evaluate abnormal blood cell counts or unexplained fevers.
What should I expect during a bone marrow biopsy?
During a bone marrow biopsy, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the biopsy site. Depending on the biopsy site, you’ll lie on your side or belly. The most common biopsy site is the back of your hip bone. Your provider will insert a thin, hollow needle into the bone to withdraw a small amount of marrow tissue. The extracted sample is then sent to a laboratory, where it will be evaluated for abnormalities, such as irregular blood cell production or the presence of cancer cells. Your provider may confirm a diagnosis, order more tests or recommend treatments depending on your results.
What are the risks of a bone marrow biopsy?
While generally safe, a bone marrow biopsy can have potential risks, including:
- Pain or discomfort at the biopsy site
- Bleeding or bruising
- Infection, though rare