The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Fighting Blood Cancers
4 Replies Last post: Nov 20, 2009 11:03 PM by hollyfromca  
hollyfromca   2 posts since
Nov 15, 2009
Currently Being Moderated

Nov 15, 2009 8:35 PM

Does it usually take more than one biopsy to diagnose?

I have an elevated WBC of about 15,000.  I recently had a bone marrow biopsy that didn't turn up anything although it said suspicions of myeloprofeliferative disorder.

All cells are normal and I am negative for JAK2 and BCR-ABL mutations.  My doctor still seems to think I may have something.  Why wouldn't the biopsy show evidence of the disease if I had it?

 

How many biopsies does it usally take to be diagnosed?.  I also have other issues like shoulder bursitis that I am hoping is causing the elevated count.

 

Thanks for your insights.

kgirl   240 posts since
Aug 16, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
1. Nov 16, 2009 2:48 PM in response to: hollyfromca
Re: Does it usually take more than one biopsy to diagnose?

Hi Holly.  Maybe, perhaps, because your first BMB showed "suspicious" your doctors want another one to check and double check??  I would certainly ask them, and in my mind, better safe than sorry, yes??  Good luck to you,

Wobbles   308 posts since
Apr 3, 2009
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2. Nov 16, 2009 6:17 PM in response to: hollyfromca
Re: Does it usually take more than one biopsy to diagnose?

Hi Holly,

I think you need to ask your doctor why the pathologists are “suspicious” of a myleoproliferative disorder.  Perhaps, your doctor can also tell you of which myleoproliferative disorder the pathologists are suspicious.  That would be helpful information for you.

 

I’ve had two BMB’s and both times I’ve seen the words “highly suspicious”.   I have the impression that not all disease processes can be neatly put into a box.  Sometimes, the diseases take time to develop, hide out in odd places or take on unusual characteristics.

 

I wish you good luck in uncovering whatever is ailing you.

 

Joe

Caoimhe12   17 posts since
Jun 26, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
3. Nov 19, 2009 11:36 AM in response to: Wobbles
Re: Does it usually take more than one biopsy to diagnose?

i am having my second BMB tomorrow, my 1st one was inconclusive, however, my new hemo doc says there is something wrong with my cells, and it could be too soon to tell on my last one.

my WBC count is 1, and i get tired very easily and catch every thing that comes my way.  this can test ones resolve can't it?

i've always thought of myself as a strong person, but this can be very difficult at best sometimes. i hope they give you news soon, i understand the waiting game, i've been playing it since june.

keep us informed, you are in my thoughts!

caoimhe

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