There are different causes of bone marrow cancer.
There are several different causes of bone marrow cancer. In some cases, bone cancer metastasizes to the marrow, but there are also two cancers specific to bone marrow. Multiple myeloma, which is more common in older people and African-Americans, affects the plasma cells in the marrow---the plasma cells make antibodies, which help us fight infections. Leukemia comes in both chronic and acute forms and affects white blood cell production. Each cancer produces signs and symptoms.
Multiple Myeloma Symptoms
Multiple myeloma is more common in older people and African-Americans. Common early symptoms include bone pain in the back or ribs, and the bones may break easily. Because the cancer affects red blood cells, patients may exhibit symptoms of anemia, including fatigue and weight loss. Patients may also be prone to repeated infections.
Leukemia Symptoms
The acute forms of leukemia are acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).
With both forms of the disease, patients will experience tiredness and shortness of breath during physical activity. Cuts may bleed more than usual and take a long time to heal. There may also be unexplained bruising and pinhead-sized red spots under the skin. Patients will also experience joint and bone pain, especially in the knees, hips and shoulders, as well as a mild fever, night sweats and pale skin. Diagnostic tests may reveal low white blood cell counts.
There are also two chronic forms of the disease: chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
With CML, the body makes white cells that are mostly functional, but cell count is so high that it can hamper blood flow and cause anemia, a drop in red blood cells.
With CLL the body makes too many nonfunctional white blood cells, which replace normal cells in the marrow and inhibit immune response. This can also lead to anemia and low platelet counts.
People with the chronic form of the disease may have no signs or symptoms at all.
Bone Cancer Symptoms
Bone cancer can cause swelling, stiffness or tenderness in the bone as well as pain and restricted movement. There may also be a hard lump on the bone and unexplained fractures. As the cancer infiltrates the marrow, patients may become anemic and experience weakness, shortness of breath and dizziness. Patients can also be more prone to infections.
Tags: blood cells, bone marrow, white blood, acute forms, blood cell, body makes