Bone lesion biopsy

Bone Lesion Biopsy

A bone lesion biopsy is a procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed from the affected area for examination. It is used to diagnose any bone tumours or changes in the bone structure. It is important to get a proper diagnosis so that the right treatment is applied.

Preparation

Before a bone lesion biopsy is performed, the patient needs to be properly prepared. This includes:

Having a physical examination by a doctor
Getting a pre-procedure blood test
Being informed about the procedure by a doctor
Stopping anticoagulants (blood thinning drugs, if applicable)
Stopping certain medications one week before the procedure (if the doctor feels it is necessary)

Procedure

A bone lesion biopsy is usually done under local anaesthesia. A small sample of the bone and nearby tissue are removed for examination. The sample is taken using either an open biopsy, in which a cut is made on the skin to reach the bone beneath, or a closed biopsy, in which a needle is inserted through the skin and into the bone below. The biopsy site is then sealed to stop any bleeding.

Types

There are two types of bone lesion biopsies:

Ultrasound-guided biopsy: This is where an ultrasound machine is used to guide the sample needle into the lesion.
CT-guided biopsy: This is where a special X-ray machine is used to guide the needle into the lesion.

Risks

Like any medical procedure, a bone lesion biopsy has some risks associated with it. These include:

Bleeding
Infection
Damage to surrounding tissue
Adverse reactions to anaesthesia

Why?

A bone lesion biopsy is used to determine the type and cause of a bone lesion. It can help doctors to determine whether it is cancerous or non-cancerous, or if the bone lesion is caused by an infection or injury.

When?

A bone lesion biopsy is typically used when the doctor is concerned that the lesion is something other than the expected diagnosis. It can also be used if further information is needed after tests such as X-rays or CT scans have been done.