Bone Marrow Biopsy Contributions by ritasharma

A bone marrow biopsy may be done to:

• Evaluate unexplained low red blood cell count ( anemia ), low white cell count (leucopenia), or low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)

• Diagnosis and staging of lymphoma (tumors of the lymphoid tissues) or solid tumors

• Diagnosis, monitoring and evaluation of leukemias

• Evaluate iron level problems

• Investigate unexplained spleen enlargement (splenomegaly)

• Evaluate other blood disorders

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the biopsy site
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• Joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, rash, or other new symptoms

In case of an emergency, call 911.

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have this procedure, your doctor will review a list of possible complications which may include:

• Infection
• Bleeding

Some risk factors for complications during this procedure include:

• Bleeding disorders
• Infection of the skin at the biopsy site
• Infection in the bloodstream
• Previous radiation treatment to the biopsy site
• Severe osteoporosis