Physicians use bone marrow biopsies to obtain further details about your multiple myeloma. So, what can you expect from a bone marrow biopsy?
First, you will talk to your doctor prior to the biopsy about what medications you will take. If you’re going to have a local anesthetic or conscious sedation there may be food restrictions. You may also discuss whether you want anti-anxiety medications to relax you.
Read MoreThe extracted bone marrow is sent to check for high amounts of plasma cells indicative of myeloma, as well as any deficiencies in red and white blood cells caused by the overcrowding of cancerous plasma cells. Pathologists use these results to determine whether you have multiple myeloma, and if you do, they then examine the underlying genetic makeup of the cancer cells to assess your risk level.
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