Anyone know about bone marrow?

[Ewe]

Have lump on my knee, had MRI and they don't know what it is but the report they gave me said that there are persistent and significant areas of red in long bones so as well as removing the lump they want a full blood count and a blood test for acute inflammatory markers.

In the appointment I didn't see this so didn't get chance to ask consultant about it, they haven't rules out it being a nasty lump and are doing the operation in a specific way in case they need to go in again.

I am worried sick but don't want to google, does anyone know anything about red bone marrow levels? And what they can indicate?

Many thanks.

Guess not!

Guess not!

didn't want your post to go unanswered as you sound so worried. I'm no expert (not got a medical background), but a few of my family have joint problems.

Inflammatory markers might indicate that your joints/bones are generally inflamed - suggesting some sort of arthritis. I guess the full blood count is to check for infection (an alternative possibility). I'm sure it is very unlikely, but if anything sinister shows up on the blood test, they will contact you immediately (i.e. ring you at home that day) so try not to fret if you get a letter asking you to make an appointment to discuss test results.

I once got myself into a complete state over a letter like that, so I thought that would be worth saying!

Take care of yourself, and do update us when you know more...

Thanks acebaby, I am having the lump removed on 18th March and waiting a call back to book the blood test. All happening very quickly thanks to private healthcare!

They will then send lump (can't bring myself to call it tumor) to histology who will biopsy and should be able to tell me a bit more about what is going in. They are cutting in vertically so that it is easier to go in again if necessary.