hypercellular bone marrow
Pronunciation: HIGH-per-sell-you-lar bone marrow
Bone marrow with increased cellularity above normal age-adjusted ranges, indicating active hematopoiesis or infiltrative disease.
Full Definition
Hypercellular bone marrow describes increased cellular density compared to normal age-adjusted ranges, typically with cellularity exceeding 70-80% in adults. This finding can result from increased hematopoietic activity due to peripheral destruction of blood cells, hematologic malignancies, or recovery from chemotherapy. Assessment of cellularity is crucial in bone marrow evaluation and helps distinguish between various causes of cytopenias. The pattern of hypercellularity and which cell lines are increased provides diagnostic clues about underlying disorders.
Usage
Usage note: Cellularity percentages should be provided when available to support the assessment.
In Context
- "Bone marrow biopsy demonstrated hypercellular bone marrow with 90% cellularity." — Pathology report
- "The hypercellular bone marrow suggested active disease rather than treatment-related suppression." — Clinical interpretation