Bone Biopsy

A bone biopsy is a test in which a small sample of bone is removed from the body and looked at under a microscope for cancer, infection, or other bone problems. A bone biopsy can be taken from any bone in the body.

The bone may be removed through a needle put through the skin into the bone or through a small cut in the skin. A numbing medicine (local anesthetic) is used to prevent pain during a biopsy.

Current as of: October 14, 2016

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & David Bardana, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine