Metastatic Bone Marrow Tumors: Study of Nine Cases and Review of the Literature

Bone marrow examination is commonly used in the evaluation of hemato-oncological disorders and in patients with cancer of solid organs to detect metastases. This study reviews clinical, hematological and pathological data of nine cases with bone marrow metastases from solid tumors. The significance of bilateral bone marrow aspirations and biopsy has also been highlighted. Out of 784 bone marrow aspirations performed during a 69 months period, 9 patients showed metastatic bone marrow involvement. Fever (4), generalised weakness (5), loss of appetite (4) and loss of weight (4) were the main symptoms. Anemia (7) was the main hematological finding. Bilateral involvement was present in all but one patient. Fibrosis was also a significant finding on biopsy. Relevant literature review was also done. Bilateral bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy are an effective and cheap method for evaluating metastatic bone marrow tumors.

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