Bone marrow is a soft spongy fatty tissue situated at the centre of the bone. Its internal tissues consist of stem cells responsible for the formation of red and white blood cells. The red blood cells transport nutrients and oxygen inside the body, whereas white blood cells carry out immune system functions. In addition, platelets cause blood clots healing an injury or a wound.
Causes
Bone marrow cancer can be caused by toxic chemical exposure in solvents, fuels, engine exhausts, cleaning and agricultural products, atomic radiation exposure. In addition, other factors, such as immune system suppression, viruses including herpes, HIV, retrovirus, and hepatitis, can cause bone marrow cancer. Family history of bone marrow cancer, smoking, and obesity can also be a factor.
Types of bone marrow cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Leukaemia
- Lymphoma
Symptoms
Symptoms include bone pain or fractures, fatigue, increased infections, confusion, excess thirst, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, fever, night sweats, swollen spleen, pale complexion. In addition, consistent bruising, persistent cough, itchy skin, abdominal pain, rashes or skin lumps are also some of the primary symptoms of bone marrow cancer.
Diagnosis
Bone marrow specialists in India check the disease onset and progression by diagnostic tests.
Blood tests help in identifying a specific protein that circulates due to the presence of multiple myeloma. In addition, bone marrow aspiration is collecting the sample of bone marrow with a specialized needle and checking for the presence of cancerous cells under the microscope.
Moreover, imaging tests detect abnormal or damaged bones through X-ray, CT scan, MRI, and PET scan. Urine tests can also help assess the protein levels for kidney functioning.
Treatment
In India, bone marrow treatment comprises chemotherapy, biological therapy, mainly immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and transplant.
Bone marrow specialists in India treat bone marrow cancer considering various factors such as age and health conditions. The oncologists will discuss the treatment plan with a patient for removing the tumours, minimizing the symptoms to improve the quality of life.
The treatment plan is dependent on a patient’s response to the treatment while checking for the adverse effects of the treatment from chemotherapy or radiation. With advanced treatment options, there are higher chances of survival rates for people with bone marrow cancer.
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