Bone Marrow Biopsy in Hodgkin's Disease and Other Neoplastic Diseases

The larger bone marrow specimens obtained by the Jensen-Westerman needle are superior to those obtained by the Vim-Silverman needle. Such biopsy techniques are essential for recognition of marrow invasion of Hodgkin's disease; positive results are correlated with late anatomical stage, particularly in those with systemic symptoms. Biopsy is of occasional value in recognition of marrow invasion by myeloma and carcinoma. It may show evidence of adequate marrow cellularity in some patients with repeated hypocellular aspirates.