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Bone Biopsy


Why is this procedure done?


A bone biopsy is done to take a piece of bone to look at it in the lab. This may be is done to: ‚  
  • Look for a disease called Pagets
  • Look for cancer in the bone
  • Find out the response to treatment
  • Look for infection and the kind of germs causing it
  • Look closer at changes seen on an x-ray

What will the results be?


The results will tell your doctor if there are changes in the cells of the bone. ‚  

What happens before the procedure?


  • Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to the doctor about:
    • All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
    • Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
    • If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure
  • You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.

What happens during the procedure?


There are two types of bone biopsies: a needle or core biopsy and an open biopsy. ‚  
  • The skin where the biopsy will be taken is cleaned before the cut is made.
  • You may be given a drug to help you relax or to lessen the pain.
  • A core biopsy uses a needle with drugs to numb the skin and muscle. Then, the doctor can put the core needle into the bone after making a small cut in the skin. The core needle may be used with a special drill.
  • An open biopsy uses drugs in an I.V. to help you relax and sleep. Then, a cut is made in the skin and a biopsy needle is put into the bone.
  • The needle and the bone are removed. The staff will put pressure to stop any bleeding. Your cut will be closed with stitches or skin strips. A special spray foam may be used to stop bleeding and close the cut. A pressure bandage or dressing will then be put over the closed cut.
  • You will need to lie still for a few minutes.
  • The bone samples will be brought to the lab for testing.

What happens after the procedure?


  • You will go to Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely.
  • The staff apply pressure to stop any bleeding. They also cover the skin with a clean bandage.
  • Ask your doctor when you will know the results of the test.
  • Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you may go home. You may need someone to drive you home.

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Talk to your doctor about how to care for your biopsy site. Ask your doctor about:
    • When you should change your bandages
    • When you may take a bath or shower
    • If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
    • When you may go back to your normal activities

What follow-up care is needed?


  • Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. It often takes at least 3 days before the biopsy results are ready. The results will help your doctor know what kind of problem you have. Together you can make a plan for more care.
  • If you have stitches, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain
  • Prevent or fight an infection

What problems could happen?


  • Pain at the biopsy site
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Bruising

Where can I learn more?


Cancer Research UK ‚  
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/type/bone-cancer/diagnosis/tests-for-bone-cancer#biopsy ‚  
RadiologyInfo ‚  
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bonebiopsy ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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