Bone Marrow Staging — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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EasyHaematology & OncologyBone Marrow StagingRACP Paediatrics

A 5-year-old child undergoes a bone marrow biopsy as part of staging for a solid tumour. How many marrow sites are typically sampled for staging purposes?

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Correct answer: B — 2 (bilateral posterior iliac crests)

Bilateral bone marrow aspirates and trephines from the posterior iliac crests are standard for staging solid tumours (neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma) and haematological malignancies. Two sites reduce the risk of missing focal disease.

Reference: ANZCHOG – 2024 – Treatment Guidelines: Staging Investigations