Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy

Biopsy, Bone Marrow

How It Feels

You may feel a sharp sting and burn when the anesthetic numbs your skin over the aspiration or biopsy site. You may hear a crunching sound and feel pressure and some pain when the needle enters the bone. The pain usually lasts for only a few seconds. During an aspiration, you may feel a quick, shooting pain down your leg as the sample is taken. This pain stops as soon as the sample is removed.

The biopsy site may feel stiff or sore for 1 or 2 days after the biopsy. You may have a bruise on the site.

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Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: January 29, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology/Oncology
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