Bone Biopsy: Symptoms and Treatment

Doctors use bone biopsies to help properly diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including cancer and bone diseases. During the test, your doctor will take samples of cells or tissues from your bones for examination. There are two types of bone biopsy procedures currently used, namely, a needle biopsy and open biopsy.

Indications of Bone Biopsy

• Bone pain
• Suspicion of Bone cancer
• Renal Osteodystrophy in End Stage renal Disease
• Osteonecrosis
• Osteoporosis

Bone Biopsy: How to Prepare

If your doctor recommends a bone biopsy, he or she will educate you on how to prepare for the procedure. Before the procedure, you will sign a consent form and notify your doctor of the following:

• If you’re taking medications or supplements, including over-the-counter medicines
• If you’re allergic to latex, pain medications, or tape
• If you’re pregnant
• If you have bleeding problems
• If you’re on blood thinners

You may also have to undergo a blood test to ensure you’re healthy enough for the biopsy, and you may have to fast for eight hours prior to the procedure.

PROCEDURE of Bone Biopsy

Bone biopsies usually take place in your doctor’s office or the hospital. Prior to the procedure, you will receive medication to help you sleep or relax. From there, your nurse will check your vitals. Next, your doctor will use either a CT or MRI scan to get a good picture of your bone during the procedure. What happens next depends on what type of bone biopsy your doctor is performing.

• Needle Biopsy: In this procedure, your doctor may administer numbing medication and make a small cut into your skin over the bone. From there, your doctor will insert a needle into your bone to collect a sample of your tissue or cells. In order to collect a larger piece of bone, your doctor may use a larger needle. During the procedure, it’s not uncommon to feel pressure.
• Open Biopsy: For this procedure, you will receive medication to help numb the area. Then, your doctor will make a small incision over your done and remove a piece of it. Once he or she collects the bone sample, they will close the incision with tape strips or stitches.

POST-PROCEDURE of Bone Biopsy

After the procedure, your doctor will send you to the recovery room where nurses will check your vitals again. Depending on your condition, you may have to remain in the hospital for the night. Additionally, it’s not uncommon to feel groggy following the procedure, so it’s best to have a family member or friend drive you home.

At home, you’ll be responsible for keeping your wound clean until your follow-up appointment. Your doctor will remove any stitches in your follow-up visit, and if you’re in pain, he or she may prescribe pain medication.

While you’re recovering, your bone sample will undergo testing in a lab to determine whether it shows signs of cancer or another bone disease. Depending on the results, your doctor may recommend additional testing, so they can make a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, especially if the tests return positive for cancer.

If you’re biopsy tests positive for cancer, your doctor may send you to an oncologist or another specialist for proper treatment.