Is A Repeat Bone Marrow Biopsy Called for

Posted by richardab @richardab, Mar 24, 2023

I had a bone marrow biopsy several years ago, 40% plasma cells. My myeloma blood tests are slowly degrading. Over the last few tests, MPV has decreased and is now in the low range. I'm, of course going to discuss this with my oncologist in a few weeks. But I'm curious if anyone's doctor has ordered a repeat of their bone marrow biopsy? Thank you.

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Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Mar 24, 2023

@richardab. Depending on the patient’s medical needs, bone marrow biopsies (bmb) are ordered to check progression of blood diseases. The bone marrow is the blood manufacturing site for all the blood products in the body. A biopsy and examination of the marrow and the peripheral blood in the marrow helps give your oncologist a clear picture of the health of your marrow and blood.

Your bmb of several years ago gave a baseline for what your bone marrow capabilities were at the time. If blood numbers are changing, your doctor may place orders to have that repeated to see if anything of significance has changed. Keep me posted, ok?