Best Doctor List Near You for Bone Biopsy in Ballarat

A bone biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of bone tissue is extracted for examination under a microscope to diagnose or evaluate conditions affecting the bone. The procedure can be performed in two ways: a needle biopsy, where a thin, hollow needle is inserted through the skin into the bone to remove a sample, or an open biopsy, where a small incision is made in the skin to access the bone directly. Bone biopsies are typically conducted to diagnose bone infections, bone cancers (primary or metastatic), or unexplained bone pain and abnormalities seen in imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. The primary causes for performing a bone biopsy include the need to diagnose bone cancer, assess the spread of cancer from other parts of the body, evaluate unexplained bone lesions, or determine the cause of persistent bone pain or infection. The biopsy helps physicians identify the underlying pathology, guiding appropriate treatment options, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or antibiotics. Complications associated with bone biopsy are generally rare but can include infection at the biopsy site, bleeding, or damage to surrounding structures like nerves or blood vessels. There is also a risk of bone fracture, especially in patients with weakened bones due to conditions like osteoporosis or cancer. Patients may experience temporary pain or discomfort at the biopsy site following the procedure. Despite these risks, bone biopsy is a valuable diagnostic tool that provides critical information about bone health and disease, aiding in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.