What Does a Bone Marrow Biopsy Reveal?
Microscopic evaluation of the bone marrow will reveal signs of disease and can be used to measure the effects of therapy or treatments. GA_googleFillSlot(“Articles-InsideContent-Left-300×250”); GA_googleFillSlot(“Articles-InsideContent-Right-300×250”); Specifically, the tissue removed will be studied for abnormalities involving the formation of red and white blood cells and platelets and to determine if malignant cells are growing. For instance, bone marrow disease may be present if red and white blood cells fail to mature properly, within the marrow. A biopsy can also help determine the presence of malignant cells, which indicates cancer. How Is a Bone Marrow Biopsy Performed? Prior to performing a bone marrow biopsy, the patient is sedated or anesthetized. In general, a large biopsy needle is inserted into the patient’s bone until it reaches the bone marrow, and a small piece of the marrow is sucked in (aspirated). The needle is then withdrawn and the marrow is placed on a slide. The
