What is a bone marrow biopsy?
A bone marrow biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of bone marrow is taken - and this tissue is then examined in a laboratory.
The study may be ordered to diagnose blood diseases, cancer or other pathologies.
The procedure takes an average of 30 minutes and usually does not require hospitalization of the patient.
What is bone marrow?
Bone marrow is a blood-forming organ and is located in the bone cavity, containing soft tissue and fluid.
There are 2 types of bone marrow: red and yellow. Red bone marrow contains blood cells that are converted into red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. Yellow bone marrow consists mainly of fat, including stem cells, which may transform into cartilage, fat, and bone cells.
A bone marrow biopsy may be prescribed to diagnose the following diseases:
- Anemia;
- Leukopenia and leukocytosis;
- Thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis;
- polycythemia vera;
- Leukemia;
- Lymphoma;
- Multiple myeloma;
- Secondary cancer;
- Myelofibrosis.
Bone marrow biopsy may be effective in detecting chromosomal abnormalities and vitamin deficiency.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17735-bone-marrow-biopsy
