Does bone marrow biopsy treat leukaemia?

Treatment is selected separately according to the type of leukaemia, its behaviour, test findings and the person's health.

Bone marrow is the tissue where blood cells are made. During a biopsy, a clinician usually takes a small core of marrow and may also draw liquid marrow for examination. The samples show the cells and marrow structure in more detail than a routine blood test.

Results can help confirm a diagnosis, identify the leukaemia subtype, support treatment planning and check how the marrow responds later. Removing a small sample does not remove the disease from the body.

Before the appointment, tell the team about medicines that affect bleeding, allergies, previous reactions to local anaesthetic and any current infection. Follow the clinic's instructions about eating, drinking and transport if sedation is planned.

Afterwards, keep the dressing and sampling area as instructed. Mild soreness can occur; use the recommended pain relief and avoid activity that pulls on the area until the clinical team says normal activity is suitable.

Contact the clinical team promptly if bleeding continues despite firm pressure, pain is increasing rather than settling, or the site becomes increasingly red, warm, swollen or starts draining fluid. Fever or feeling acutely unwell also needs timely advice.

Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, fainting, severe breathing difficulty or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as facial or throat swelling.

Ask which question the biopsy is intended to answer, what pain control or sedation is available, and when results will be discussed. It can also help to ask how the findings may change the proposed leukaemia treatment or monitoring plan.