Infiltration of bone marrow in solid tumours

In this study a total of 51 patients were selected with established malignant disorders. The frequency of metastatic involvement of the bone marrow was determined by obtaining concurrent bilateral aspiration and biopsy from posterior iliac spine. Routine investigations [hemoglobin, total and differential leucocyte count platelets and ESR] were performed in all cases. Specific investigations included bilateral bone marrow biopsies and trephines. In these tumors, breast, prostate and lung most commonly metastasized to marrow in adults, whereas neuroblastoma was most common in pediatric age group. It is suggested that the aspirate and biopsy were found complementary in the diagnosis of bone marrow metastases