Bone Marrow Procedures at The Oncology Institute of Hope and InnovationBone marrow is spongy tissue found inside some of your large bones, such as your pelvis. They contain stem cells that turn into white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. A biopsy is the insertion of a needle to remove a small piece of tissue and blood from the bone marrow. A bone marrow examination offers detailed information about the condition of your blood cells. Your bone marrow is the central place of where blood cells are formed, so an examination gives detailed information of the types, amount and condition of your blood cells. It specifically can be studied for the presence of: diseases involving the formation of blood cells cancer cells chromosome irregularitie iron storage monitor the effects of therapy such as chemo How do I prepare for the procedure? There is no preparation needed, as there are no restrictions. Take your usual medications. You may eat before the test If you have an allergy to Lidocaine, let your Physician or Nurse Practitioner know What can I expect during the procedure? The bone marrow exam typically takes about 15-20 minutes You will need to lie on your stomach, as the sample will be taken from your pelvis bone Your Physician or Nurse Practitioner will talk to you throughout the procedure When the Lidocaine is injected, you will feel a stinging sensation, then numbness to the area A biopsy needle will then be inserted into the bone marrow, and a syringe will be used to remove the liquid portion from the bone marrow. This will cause a sharp, brief pain sensation that will quickly pass A biopsy of the bone marrow will then be taken After the needle is removed, pressure will be applied for 5-10 minutes or until bleeding stops What can I expect after the procedure? You may resume normal activity Keep the pressure bandage on for at least 24 hours Do not get the dressing wet for 24 hours, which means no showering or bathing A small amount of bleeding is normal Avoid heavy lifting or exercise for the next 24 hours You may remove the dressing the next day You may take Tylenol for the soreness Call the office for any swelling at the biopsy site, development of fever >100.4 F, increasing redness or drainage at the biopsy site, or worsening pain or discomfort Are there risk with a bone marrow biopsy? Risks associated Bone marrow exams do not usually pose any big risks. Complications are rare, however, as with any procedure; risks do exist that you should be aware of Excessive bleeding, especially in those with a low platelet count or on a blood thinner Breaking of needles within the bone, causing infection or bleeding Infection, especially in those with compromised immune systems Long lasting pain to biopsy site What other treatments might I receive? Chemotherapy may be combined with radiation therapy, surgery, targeted therapy, complementary procedures or other treatment modalities. It is commonly recommended to shrink a tumor before operating on it ("neoadjuvant chemotherapy") End
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