A bone marrow evaluation can help diagnose several blood and bone marrow conditions. These include certain types of anaemia, abnormal blood cell counts, leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. It can also help identify cancers that have spread to the bone marrow and conditions such as myelodysplastic syndromes, myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera. The examination can provide information about abnormal cells and how well the bone marrow is producing healthy blood cells, helping doctors determine the diagnosis and guide treatment.

A bone marrow aspiration usually involves collecting a small amount of liquid marrow from the back of the hipbone. The area is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthesia. A healthcare professional then inserts a hollow needle through the bone into the marrow and uses a syringe to withdraw a sample. You may feel brief pressure or a sharp pain during aspiration. A biopsy is often performed at the same time to collect a small sample of solid bone marrow tissue.

Before the procedure, your doctor may review your medicines, supplements and medical history. Local anaesthesia is usually used, and sedation may sometimes be offered. The procedure itself generally takes about 10 to 20 minutes. Afterwards, a bandage is placed over the site and you can usually return home the same day. Some tenderness may continue for a week or longer. You should follow your doctor’s instructions about wound care and activity, and report persistent fever, increasing pain, swelling or bleeding.

Bone marrow samples are sent to a laboratory where they are examined by specialists, including pathologists or hematopathologists. Your doctor will generally receive the results within a few days, although the exact timeframe can vary depending on the tests required. Additional specialised testing may sometimes be needed to identify specific characteristics of abnormal cells. Once the results are available, your doctor can explain whether they confirm or rule out a condition and whether further testing or treatment is needed.

An abnormal bone marrow result does not always mean cancer. The findings may indicate a blood disorder, abnormal blood cell production or another condition affecting the marrow. Your doctor may recommend additional blood tests, specialised testing of the marrow cells or imaging to understand the findings more clearly. If cancer or another disease is confirmed, the results can help determine its type, extent and treatment approach. Your hematologist or oncologist will explain the findings and discuss the appropriate next steps.

For a bone marrow evaluation, you should consult a hematologist or hemato-oncologist, particularly if you have abnormal blood counts or a suspected blood or bone marrow disorder. At MOC Cancer Care & Research Centre in Delhi, oncology specialists can evaluate your condition and determine whether a bone marrow aspiration or biopsy is appropriate. To book a consultation, visit MOC Cancer Care or contact their team directly. Bring your blood test reports, scans, previous biopsy results and treatment records to your appointment.