Thursday, July 7, 2011

Reasons For A Bone Biopsy

Bone biopsies aid in the identification of bone disorders and even bone cancer. A bone biopsy also helps your doctor identify any causes behind chronic bone pain.


Confirming Existing Diagnoses


Your doctor may want you to undergo a bone biopsy if he or she suspects a bone disorder, such as Paget's disease (characterized by abnormally large, misshapen bones). Bone biopsies are useful in confirming bone disorders if something abnormal has already been shown by other tests. These other tests may include a computed tomography (CT) scan or an X-ray.


Bone Cancer


Bone biopsies can easily reveal if any cancer is present.


Bone Infections


Bone biopsies can determine infection as well as the underlying cause.


Ongoing Bone Pain


If you suffer from chronic bone pain, a bone biopsy may help determine the cause.


Bone X-ray Followup


If your doctor has seen bone problems on a previous X-ray, a bone biopsy can reveal further details and causes.


Blood Cell Problems


Anemia or a decrease in red blood cells can be explained and treated with the help of a bone biopsy.

Tags: Bone biopsies, bone biopsy, bone disorders, bone pain, chronic bone, chronic bone pain