Bone biopsy is a fundamental tool for identification and treatment of bone diseases, but it can be a procedure that causes concern and fear in patients. We know that despite being an effective and safe method, it can raise many doubts, and that is why we always recommend going to specialized clinics where professionals can accompany you and clarify any questions you may have.
What is a bone biopsy and what is it for?
This medical procedure used to obtain a sample of bone tissue for analysis in a laboratory. With the result of this analysis, health professionals can determine the cause of the bone abnormality, whether it is a traumatic injury, a condition or a disease. It can also help determine if cancer cells are present in the bone.
This methodology is considered a very important tool in the evaluation of bone tumorsThe sample obtained can help determine the type of cancer cells present in the bone, as well as the extent of the disease in the bone.
If pain is affecting your daily life, we can help.
We evaluate your case, perform tests if necessary, and propose a personalized plan.
Talk to a specialistHow is a bone biopsy done?
There are several techniques to perform a bone biopsy, and the technique used will depend on the type of tissue to be obtained and the area of the bone. In most cases, a special needle to remove a small amount of bone tissue. The needle is carefully inserted into the bone through the skin and guided to the location of the abnormality by removing a sample of bone tissue.
In more complex situations it may be necessary to perform a surgical bone biopsy. In this procedure, an incision must be made to access the bone and extract a larger sample. This procedure is more invasive than needle biopsy and requires a longer recovery period.
How long does a bone biopsy take?
The time it takes may vary depending on the procedure used and the amount of tissue that must be removed for analysis. A needle biopsy of bone usually takes a few minutes, while a surgical biopsy can take several hours.
The duration of this procedure may also vary depending on the location of the tissue to be extracted, since if the sample needs to be removed from a delicate or difficult-to-access area, it may take longer than normal.
Side effects after a bone biopsy
This safe medical surgery rarely causes serious complications. But like any surgery it can have some side effects. Normally after the procedure you may feel pain, swelling and tenderness at the site where the procedure was performed. These effects can be treated with medications for pain and inflammation, and usually last only a few days.
Is bone biopsy painful?
Both types of biopsies, needle or surgical, can cause pain or discomfort during the procedure. During the needle biopsy, local anesthesia is used to numb the area where the puncture will be performed. However, the patient may feel some sensations such as pressure or stinging in the area.
In surgical bone biopsy, general anesthesia is used and the patient does not feel anything during the procedure. However, once the procedure is finished and the anesthesia loses its effect, the patient may experience pain and discomfort in the area where the incision and bone extraction was made.
Most common types of bone biopsy
There are three types of biopsies that are performed most frequently: bone marrow, hip, and femur bone. In addition to these, there are other bone biopsy techniques such as rib or percutaneous biopsy. Each of these techniques is performed with a specific objective and can be performed in different ways, depending on the condition and the location of the tissue to be removed.
Bone marrow biopsy
This methodology is used to obtain a sample of bone marrow, which is the soft tissue found inside the bones. It is mainly done for detect blood diseases, such as leukemia or lymphoma.
To carry out this intervention, local anesthesia is usually applied and a needle is used to remove a small amount of tissue from the bone marrow. It is usually performed on the back of the hip and usually takes about 30 minutes.
hip biopsy
This intervention is commonly used to obtain samples of hip bone tissue and detect bone cancer. In order to perform this procedure, a special needle must be inserted through a small hole in the hip bone. The sample obtained is examined to detect any type of cancer or bone disease.
It is important to mention that as with other biopsies, local anesthesia is administered to minimize any pain or discomfort while it is performed. The duration of this procedure is usually relatively short, around 30 minutes, but it can vary depending on the case.
Femur bone biopsy
This biopsy is performed in order to obtain a sample of bone tissue from the femur, which is the longest bone in the body. It is commonly performed in order to detect femur cancer, a disease that can be serious and difficult to treat if not detected in time.
To carry it out, a special needle needs to be inserted through a small hole in the femur. This procedure usually takes the same time as those mentioned above and is also performed under local anesthesia.
Techniques to remove a bone biopsy
As we mentioned above, there are two main techniques for performing a bone biopsy: needle biopsy and surgical bone biopsy. Both techniques have their advantages and disadvantages and the choice of which technique to use will depend on several factors such as the location and the amount of tissue to be biopsied, among others.
Needle biopsy
This technique is less invasive than surgical bone biopsy. To perform it, a needle is inserted through the skin and soft tissue until it reaches the bone. Once the bone is reached, a small hole is made to extract the sample. This type of procedure can be performed under local anesthesia and does not require hospitalization. In addition, it has a quick recovery and scarring is minimal.
Surgical bone biopsy
Although it is a more invasive procedure, in some cases a surgical biopsy is necessary to obtain a larger bone sample or the needle cannot reach the tissue to be biopsied. This procedure is performed in an operating room with general anesthesia and an incision must be made in the patient's skin to access the bone and extract the sample.
Biopsy and bone cancer
Bone biopsy is especially important in the case of bone cancer, as it allows early detection of the disease and helps determine the extent of the tumor in the bone. The information obtained through this procedure, along with other studies, helps the medical team decide the best treatment plan for the patient.
It also allows us to determine if it is a primary bone tumor or if it has spread from another part of the body, which is extremely necessary to have a correct approach to treatment.
Remember that Early detection is crucial to be able to perform effective treatment and have the best results. If you have been recommended perform a bone biopsy, you can go to our clinic in Madrid, where you can find comprehensive medical care that resolves your concerns.
7 thoughts on “¿Qué es la biopsia de hueso? Usos más comunes, tipos y efectos secundarios”
Good afternoon, I want to ask what a percutaneous bone biopsy of the right lower limb is worth.
Hello Kelly Johanna, please write to us at the contact email or call us at the phone number that appears on the website and we can offer you personalized information. Thank you!
I have a question, I had a femur biopsy near the hip, almost 2 months ago, I have a tumor but it is not bad, my question is if it is normal that after so much time it still hurts so much, much worse than before
Hello Magda,
We cannot give you an answer without having full knowledge of your case and all the information. The best thing would be to see you in consultation and study your case. You can make an appointment by calling +34 910 053 900.
Greetings
I had a puncture under CT of my talus and it got worse, which could relieve me, I almost can't walk since June 6th when it was done for a lymphatic image or lymph node.
Hello Gaby,
We would have to review the case, the images and know why it was done and where they entered. As well as the diagnosis that the puncture provided.
Greetings
In a scintigraphy, I found that the focus located in the 5th left posterior costal arch persists with very discrete uptake intensity, suggestive of malignancy.