FAQs
The biopsy is done using a small needle inserted into the bone. The bone marrow tissue is removed and then sent to a lab and checked under a microscope. You may be given a shot (injection) of a local anesthetic before the biopsy. This will numb the area so you don't feel any pain.
How do they do a bone marrow test for cancer? ›
You have a local anaesthetic injection to numb a small area on your hip. The doctor puts a needle into your hip to suck out some bone marrow. The test takes about 30 minutes. You should get your results within 1 or 2 weeks.
How painful is a bone marrow biopsy? ›
The biopsy needle may also cause a brief, usually dull, pain. Since the inside of the bone cannot be numbed, this test may cause some discomfort. If a bone marrow aspiration is also done, you may feel a brief, sharp pain as the bone marrow liquid is removed.
What happens if a bone marrow biopsy is positive? ›
“Positive” results mean something abnormal was found in your bone marrow, and your doctor may want to begin treatment for cancer, a blood or bone marrow disorder, anemia, or whatever condition the test reveals you have. Depending on your condition, your doctor may order additional tests to help guide the next steps.
What are the side effects of a bone marrow test? ›
Bone marrow exams are generally safe procedures. Complications are rare but can include: Excessive bleeding, particularly in people with low numbers of a certain type of blood cell (platelets) Infection, generally of the skin at the site of the exam, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
What are the first signs of bone marrow cancer? ›
Myeloma signs and symptoms
- bone pain or a broken bone without an obvious injury.
- frequent infections or an infection that is difficult to overcome.
- tiredness, shortness of breath or a racing heart.
- kidney problems.
- heavy nosebleeds or easy bruising.
- feeling sick, drowsy or confused.
- abnormal blood counts.
A bone marrow biopsy typically takes 2 to 4 working days to fully process and for the results of these tests to reach your doctor. Sometimes there are additional tests done on the bone marrow material that can take a number of weeks.
Can you drive yourself home after a bone marrow biopsy? ›
If you received a sedative during the biopsy, you'll need someone to drive you. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about caring for yourself as you recover. They may advise you to: Take a nonprescription pain reliever to help with pain or discomfort.
Are patients put to sleep for a bone marrow biopsy? ›
You'll always receive a local anesthetic before a bone marrow biopsy. Local anesthesia is given by injection at the site the biopsy will be performed. The local anesthesia will numb the site and reduce the pain of the bone marrow biopsy. You can also choose to receive sedation during the procedure.
Do you stay in hospital after bone marrow biopsy? ›
A bone marrow biopsy may be done on an outpatient basis. This means you go home the same day. Or you may stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your provider's practices.
Side effects following bone marrow tests vary from person to person. Some patients experience slight bone pain for a few days after the procedure which responds to normal painkillers such as paracetamol. Other side effects may include bruising, bleeding, pain, infection or tingling in the legs.
What should you avoid after a bone marrow biopsy? ›
Caring for your biopsy site
- Check your biopsy site every day until it heals.
- Keep the bandage dry. ...
- You may shower after 24 hours.
- Do not soak in a bathtub or hot tub or go swimming until the biopsy site is healed (about 5 days) or until your doctor says you can.
Reasons for a bone marrow biopsy
- anemia, or a shortage of red blood cells.
- abnormal bleeding or clotting.
- bone marrow and blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma.
- cancers that have spread to the bone marrow from elsewhere.
- unexplained fevers.
Here are a few:
- Multiple Myeloma. This is the most common. ...
- Lymphomas. These usually begin in lymph nodes, but they can also affect the bone marrow. ...
- Leukemia. If you have this type of blood cancer, your body makes abnormal blood cells. ...
- Childhood Leukemia. This is the most common form of cancer in children and teens.
Specification
| Test Type | Bone Marrow Biopsy |
|---|
| Includes | Bone Marrow Biopsy Test (Histopathology) |
| Preparation | |
| Reporting | Within 24 hours* |
| Test Price | ₹ 7500 ₹ 15000 |
If I have cancer will my biopsy results come back faster? No. How long you have to wait does not reflect what the result will be. The speed at which it's done only reflects the process within a particular clinic.
Are you awake for a bone marrow test? ›
A bone marrow biopsy can occur in your healthcare provider's office or hospital. The entire process lasts about 30 minutes. You'll be awake during the procedure, but your provider will numb the biopsy site (local anesthesia) to keep you comfortable. Before the procedure, you'll change into a hospital gown.
Does bone marrow cancer show in blood tests? ›
Your health care provider may order a bone marrow aspiration and a bone marrow biopsy if other blood tests show your levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets are not normal. Too many or too few blood cells may mean you have a medical condition, such as cancer that starts in your blood or bone marrow.
What happens if they find cancer in bone marrow? ›
A stem cell transplant may be an option in some cases, although not everyone with bone marrow cancer is a candidate for this type of treatment. A person will receive high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy to kill the existing bone marrow before the IV administration of the stem cells.
Does bone cancer show up in blood work? ›
Blood tests are not needed to diagnose bone cancer, but they may be helpful once a diagnosis is made. For example, high levels of chemicals in the blood such as alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) can suggest that the cancer may be more advanced.
