Tests and next steps for bone cancer

Main tests for bone cancer

If a GP thinks you could have bone cancer, they'll refer you to a bone specialist (an orthopaedic doctor) for some tests.

Tests you may have include:

• an X-ray
• a scan, such as a CT scan or MRI scan
• a bone biopsy – where a surgeon removes a small sample of bone so it can be sent to a lab and checked for cancer
• blood tests
• a bone marrow biopsy

Bone marrow is a spongy substance inside bones.

During a bone marrow biopsy, a thin needle is used to remove some bone marrow cells, usually from your hip. The sample is checked for cancer.

Getting your results

Your specialist should let you know when you can expect to get the results of the bone biopsy. They will be sent to the GP or the hospital where you had the procedure.

It should take about 2 weeks for the results to come back, but sometimes it might be longer.

Try not to worry if your results are taking longer than you expect. It does not mean anything is wrong.

You can call the hospital or GP if you're worried. They should be able to update you.

A specialist will explain what the results mean and what will happen next. You may want to bring someone with you for support.

If you're told you have bone cancer

Being told you have bone cancer can feel overwhelming. You may be feeling anxious about what will happen next.

It can help to bring someone with you to any appointments you have.

A group of specialists will look after you throughout your diagnosis, during and after treatment.

Your team will include a clinical nurse specialist who will be your main point of contact during and after treatment.

You can ask them any questions you have.

Next steps

If you've been told you have bone cancer, your test results will show:

• how big the cancer is and how far it's spread (called the stage)
• how abnormal the cells look under a microscope (called the grade)

The stage and grade of your cancer will help your specialist decide what treatment you need.