This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by
Maurie Markman, MD, President, Medicine & Science.
This page was updated on May 2, 2022.
During a bone marrow biopsy, a needle is used to collect a sample of bone marrow—the spongy tissue inside large bones—so it may be tested. The needle enters through the skin and goes through muscle and the outer edge of the bone to reach the marrow.
Your doctor may recommend this procedure to check whether bone marrow is healthy and producing a normal amount of blood cells. The biopsy may help your cancer care team determine how well certain types of blood cancer treatments—such as for leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma—are working. A bone marrow biopsy may also help determine whether cancer has grown or spread.
You may experience some achiness or mild discomfort for a week after the biopsy, as well as some bleeding or bruising at the puncture site. Serious bleeding or infection is rare. If you have any concerns, speak directly with your care team.