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.
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:
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.
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.
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.