Bone Biopsy

A bone biopsy is a procedure in which bone samples are removed (with a special biopsy needle or during surgery) to find out if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

A bone biopsy involves the outer layers of bone, unlike a bone marrow biopsy, which involves the innermost part of the bone. 

 There are 2 types of biopsy: 

• Needle biopsy under local anesthesia
• Open biopsy under general anesthesia 

Other related procedures that may be used to help diagnose bone problems include CT scan, X-ray, MRI of the bones, and bone scan. 

INDICATIONS 

• Evaluate bone pain or tenderness
• Investigate an abnormality seen on X-ray
• Find out if a bone tumor is cancer (malignant) or not cancer (benign)
• Find the cause of an unexplained infection or inflammation 

Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to recommend a bone biopsy.