What Is Bone Marrow Cancer?

A marrow is a sponge-like material inside your bones. Stem cells are found deep inside the marrow and may develop into platelets, white blood cells, or red blood cells (RBCs). When bone marrow cells start to grow abnormally or more rapidly than usual, bone marrow cancer develops. Bone marrow cancer, often known as blood cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Bone cancer is not the same as bone marrow cancer. Other types of cancer have the potential to spread to your bones and bone marrow, but they are not categorized as bone marrow cancer.  

This article goes into great length on the various forms of bone marrow cancer, its causes and symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and what to expect.

What Is Cancer Of The Bone Marrow?

Bone marrow cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the blood-forming stem cells of the bone marrow, the spongy tissue found inside your bones. Bone marrow cancer can develop anywhere in the body.

What Are The Different Types Of Bone Marrow Cancer?

There are 3 different types of bone marrow cancer. These include:

Multiple myeloma:

Multiple myeloma begins in the plasma cells. These are the WBCs that produce antibodies to ward off foreign invaders and safeguard your body. The overproduction of plasma cells in the body might lead to tumor formation. Loss of bone and weakened resistance to infections may result from this.

Leukemia:

 In leukemia, the body produces unusual blood cells which do not die off as they should. As their number increases, they swarm platelets, RBCs, and WBCs, obstructing the normal function of those cells. The different types of leukemia are:

• Acute myeloid leukemia (affects children and adults)
• Acute lymphocytic leukemia (affects children and adults)
• Chronic myeloid leukemia (mainly affects adults)
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia(affects adults)

Lymphoma:

In lymphoma, lymphocytes, or cells, proliferate out of control, resulting in tumor formation and impairing the ability of your immune system to function. The different types of lymphoma are:

• Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma

What Are The Causes Of Bone Marrow Cancer?

The exact causes that lead to bone marrow cancer formation are not clear. The following are the contributing factors:

• Exposure to toxic chemicals in fuels, solvents, certain cleaning products, agricultural products, and engine exhaust
• Being exposed to nuclear or atomic radiation
• Plasma disorder or a suppressed immune system
• Certain viruses including hepatitis, HIV, herpes, and some retroviruses
• Smoking
• Obesity
• High BMI
• Family history or genetic conditions of bone marrow cancer
• Exposure to chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Down’s syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis 

What Are The Symptoms Of Bone Marrow Cancer?

The symptoms of bone marrow cancer will vary in different people depending on the type of cancer they have. 

What are the symptoms of multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is the most common type of bone marrow cancer. The symptoms include:

• Anemia, weakness or fatigue due to a shortage of RBCs
• Leukopenia due to a reduction in WBCs and it causes infections
• Thrombocytopenia due to low blood platelets which results in bleeding and bruising
• Frequent urination
• Dehydration
• Increased thirst
• Loss of hunger
• Drowsiness
• Pain in abdomen
• Hypercalcemia which causes confusion
• Pain or weakness in bones
• Damage or failure of kidneys
• Tingling sensation in nerves due to nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)

What are the symptoms of leukemia?

The signs and symptoms of leukemia include:

• Fever and chills
• Fatigue and weakness
• Weight loss without any reasons
• Frequent or severe infections
• Liver or spleen enlargement
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Pain in bones
• Easily bleeding or bruising which includes frequent nose bleeds
• Small red dots on the skin (petechiae)
• Excessive sweating
• Night sweats

What are the symptoms of lymphoma?

Lymphoma begins in lymph nodes or bone marrow. The signs and symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
• Low energy
• Night sweats 
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Unexplained weight loss
• Swelling in the underarms, neck, arms, groin or leg
• Numbness, pain, and tingling in nerves
• Experiencing fullness in the stomach
• Skin rashes or itching
• Lower back or chest pain 

How To Diagnose Bone Marrow Cancer?

A physician will evaluate your medical history and perform a thorough physical examination if you exhibit any signs or symptoms of bone marrow cancer. Based on those results and your symptoms, diagnostic procedures could include:

• Blood and urine tests: Blood or urine tests can detect a specific protein that enters the circulation due to multiple myeloma. Blood tests can also provide information on kidney function, electrolyte levels, and blood cell count. Urine tests help to examine the kidney functions and to check protein levels.
• Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans can reveal evidence of tumors.
• Biopsy: A biopsy of an enlarged lymph node or bone marrow to check the presence of cancerous cell
• Bone marrow aspiration: Under anesthesia, a small sample of bone marrow will be removed by the doctors using a specialized needle to penetrate one of the bones. To check for malignant cells, an expert will analyze the sample under a microscope.

How To Treat Bone Marrow Cancer?

Depending on the specific type and stage of cancer at diagnosis, as well as any other health considerations, treatment for bone marrow cancer varies in different individuals. 

In general, the following are the treatment options performed for the management of bone marrow cancer:

• Chemotherapy: It is a systemic treatment performed to detect and destroy the cancer cells in the body. An oncologist will prescribe a drug or a combination of anticancer drugs depending on your type of cancer.
• Radiation therapy: It utilizes high energy beams to a targeted area to kill cancer cells, reduce tumor size and to relieve pain.
• Biological therapy: It utilizes your own immune system to destroy cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy drugs: These drugs attack particularly specific types of cancer cells in a precise manner. This helps to prevent damage to healthy cells while compared with chemotherapy.
• Transplant or stem cell transplant: In this procedure, damaged bone marrow is replaced with healthy marrow from a donor. It may include high doses of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Conclusion

Bone marrow cancer arises when bone marrow cells begin to grow improperly or more quickly than usual.  Bone marrow cancer comes in three different types. The course of treatment is determined by the cancer kind, stage, and severity of the disease. The best course of action for each patient is unique and contingent upon the type of bone marrow cancer they have. Visit our IBS hospital for the finest treatments and specialized care in managing bone marrow cancer. Book your appointment now!

FAQs

Q: Is bone marrow cancer curable?

A: There are wide variations in the prognosis for patients with bone marrow cancer. A patient is more likely to respond well to therapy and stay cancer-free for years after entering remission if they are diagnosed before the disease spreads. Bone marrow cancer is aggressive in other patients.

Q: What is the origin of bone marrow cancer?

A: An uncontrollably high rate of growth and multiplication of bone marrow stem cells leads to bone marrow cancer. Subnormal cells then displace the normal cells, impeding the normal function of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

By -Dr Aaksha Shukla | May 29, 2024 | 9 Min Read