Bone marrow biopsy
Bone marrow biopsy is a technique to remove a small section of the tissue from the body to study it under the microscope for any further analysis and tests. This test is recommended by doctors if they see an abnormal result in the complete blood count of a person or for examining any other regular disease that might be present in the bone marrow. Bone marrow biopsies are used to check for blood disorders like leukemia, certain types of anemia or problems affecting the bone marrow such as multiple myeloma or polycythemia vera. Besides they can throw light on any infections or cancers that are originating in the bone marrow. A bone marrow biopsy aids in studying abnormal appearance and numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets in conditions such as thrombocytopenia. It is essential to keep the health care provider of any medications that are taken. A local anesthetic is usually given to numb the skin. A sedative may be prescribed to calm the patient throughout the bone marrow biopsy procedure.
Samples are usually taken from the hip bone after cleaning the area.
A biopsy needle is inserted into the bone.
Core of the needle is removed and the needle is turned in both the directions thus forcing a small sample of the bone marrow into the needle.
The needle is removed from the site and pressure is applied on that area to restrict bleeding and the area is bandaged.
There might some discomfort after the biopsy needle is removed as the anesthesia effect cannot reach the bone interiors.
Bone marrow biopsy will take about 20 minutes and after the biopsy you may be asked to lie down for another 60 minutes to check for bleeding from the site.
Results of bone marrow biopsties are available after 1 to 3 days. Normal results are indicated by normal numbers of mature and growing bone marrow cells. Abnormal results of a bone marrow biopsy are indicated by abnormal appearance of normal numbers of mature and growing bone marrow cells and presence of fibrous tissue in the bone marrow. There may be special stains that confirm infection in the bone marrow.
Hematologist
Hematologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating ailments related to blood, and blood systems such as bone marrow, vascular systems etc. They deal with conditions such as anemia, leukemia etc. Hematologists should be strong in the field of internal medicine, anatomy, physiology, and bio-chemistry too. A hematologist completes medical school and undergoes internship for three years in the field of internal medicine and further specializes for two years in the field of hematology. Few hematologists are also trained oncologists, who treat problems related to blood cancer. Hematologists are specialists in treating blood disorders and anything to do with blood. They
Interpret blood test results by studying the blood films and bone marrow films under the microscope.
Treat blood disorders like hemophilia.
Treat cancerous conditions linked to the blood like leukemia, lymphoma etc.
They deal with blood transfusion sciences etc.
They deal with bone marrow aspirations, bone marrow biopsy, chemotherapy etc. in a few cases they also prescribe medications for anemia etc.
Hematologists handle computerized diagnostic equipments and complicated bio-chemical analyses with proficiency and ease.
Modern techniques used in the field of hematology
Diagnostic equipments with latest computer technology helps in drawing clear conclusions on the disorders of the blood.
Various bio-chemical analyses help in understanding the condition of the blood and related problems in a better manner.
Leukaemia
Leukaemia is cancer of the white blood cells found in teh blood. This serious disease is often fatal. Leukaemia is caused due to either of the 2 abnormal white blood cells:
Myeloid white blood cells are made in the bone marrow from where they travel through the bloodstrem destroying foreign organisms.
Lympohid white blood cells are located in the lymph nodes and lymphatic system.
Chronic leukaemia is a situation where the disease progresses slowly. Acute leukaemia is indicated by a sudden onset and is more likely to affect children and young people.
A person suffering from leukaemia noticed repeated infections and unexplained bruising. There is a tendency to feel fatigued and anemic. Other symptoms include loss of weight and fever. Aching joints and bones are yet another symptom of leukaemia. Symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia appear very rapidly. A detailed blood test is taken for diagnosing leukaemia. When it shows an abnormal number of abnormal white blood cells, it is indicative of leukaemia. A bone marrow biopsy is taken to help classify the leukaemia.
Treatment for leukaemia includes radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immune therapy and bone marrow transplantation. Chemotherapy treatment uses cytotoxic drugs to kill abnormal cells thereby stopping their further division. But the fallout of this procedure is that often normal body cells such as those in the hair adn skin are also killed. Bone marrow transplant is carried out only on children and younger patients. Marrow cells from a donor, who is generally a sibling, is replaced in the patient.
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