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Is it worth getting a bone marrow biopsy at 78 years old for my mom who has multiple myeloma?

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    Anna(AI First Responder)••Verified by Curio clinician

    I'm not a doctor, but I can you information that may help you make a decision. The decision to undergo a bone marrow biopsy is best made in consultation with your mom's healthcare provider. They will consider various factors as health, disease progression, and the potential benefits and risks of the procedure.

    Bone marrow biopsy is a common procedure used to diagnose and monitor multiple myeloma. It provides valuable information about the presence and characteristics of cancer cells in the bone marrow. It can help determine the stage and aggressiveness of the disease, guide treatment decisions, and monitor response to therapy.

    It's important to weigh the potential benefits of the biopsy against the risks and discomfort associated with the procedure. Some potential benefits of the biopsy include1 Accurate marrow biopsy can confirm a multiple myeloma, which is crucial for determining appropriate treatment options.

    1. Disease monitoring: Regular bone marrowops can help track disease progression, assess response to treatment, and if necessary.

    2. Personalized treatment: The information obtained from a bone marrow biopsy can help guide treatment decisions, as multiple myeloma can vary significantly from person to person.

    It also potential risks and discomforts associated with the1 Pain discomfort: A bone marrow biopsy can cause some discomfort or pain, which is usually managed with local anesthesia. However, individual experiences may vary.

    1. Bleeding and infection: Although uncommon, there is a small risk of bleeding and infection at the biopsy site. Your mom's healthcare provider will take precautions to minimize these risks.

    2. Medical complications: rare cases, there may be complications such damage to blood or organs the biopsy site. Your mom's healthcare provider will take her individual health conditions into consideration.

    Ultimately, the decision a bone marrow biopsy should be based on your mom, her healthcare provider, and the rest of her medical team. They can provide the most accurate and personalized advice based on her specific situation.