Symptoms of bone marrow cancer can include bone pain, constant fatigue, weight loss and frequent infections. These symptoms often go unnoticed in the early stages of the disease, so regular health checks and staying on top of the symptoms are important. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation. These treatments aim to control cancer cells and cause minimal damage to normal cells in the body. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, bone marrow cancer becomes manageable.
What is bone marrow cancer?
Bone marrow cancer is a type of cancer that usually arises from plasma cells inside the bone marrow. This cancer occurs when plasma cells multiply uncontrollably and the bone marrow loses its ability to produce normal blood cells. Bone marrow cancer is often called multiple myeloma and can present with symptoms such as pain in the bones, frequent fractures, fatigue, anemia, kidney problems and weakness. This disease is tried to be managed with treatment methods such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, drugs and stem cell transplantation.
Bone marrow cancer is often asymptomatic in the early stages or its symptoms may be vague, so diagnosis and treatment must usually be carried out by specialist doctors. Bone marrow cancer symptoms may include:
- Constant or widespread bone pain, especially in areas such as the back, chest, hips, or head.
- Easily fractured bones or increased risk of fractures.
- Feeling of fatigue and weakness due to anemia.
- Weight loss for no apparent reason.
- Feeling of weakness in bones, tenderness that can break easily.
- Trouble urinating, blood in the urine, or other problems with kidney function.
- Frequent infections, weakened immune system.
Symptoms may vary from person to person, and some may be more pronounced than others. Symptoms usually appear more clearly in the advanced stages of the disease. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional in case of any symptoms or concerns.
How does bone marrow cancer start?
Bone marrow cancer begins with the uncontrolled growth and proliferation of plasma cells. This condition usually occurs as a result of abnormal changes in the DNA of plasma cells. Normally, the bone marrow produces blood cells, which are responsible for the body’s immune system, oxygen transportation and blood clotting. However, these abnormal plasma cells can continually multiply and affect the bone marrow and surrounding bone tissue.
The proliferating abnormal plasma cells disrupt the normal function of the bone marrow and lead to the proliferation of cancerous cells. This condition is known as a type of bone marrow cancer called multiple myeloma. In this type of cancer, uncontrolledly proliferating plasma cells can cause damage to bones, leading to weakening of bones, pain and fractures. Abnormal plasma cells can also affect the production of normal blood cells, causing conditions such as anemia.
How is bone marrow cancer diagnosed?
Marrow cancer (bone marrow cancer) is diagnosed through a series of tests and examinations. The first step in the bone marrow diagnosis process is a doctor’s examination. Your doctor will physically examine you to evaluate your symptoms. At this stage, symptoms such as bone pain, swelling or tenderness may be observed. “Bone marrow cancer is diagnosed with which test?” It is not possible to talk about a single test on the subject.
Blood tests may be requested after the physical examination. Blood tests are performed to evaluate anemia and the levels of blood proteins and other blood components. These tests can help monitor the symptoms of bone marrow cancer and the course of the disease.
After blood tests, a biopsy may be performed. Bone marrow biopsy allows a small sample of bone marrow to be examined in the laboratory. This method is used to confirm the presence of cancerous cells and determine the type of cancer. Imaging tests may also be ordered for bone marrow diagnosis. Imaging tests such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or positron emission tomography (PET) may be performed to detect damage, fractures, or lesions in the bones.
Bone marrow aspiration is also a method used in bone marrow diagnosis. Bone marrow aspiration is the process of taking a sample of fluid from the bone marrow. This sample is then examined in the laboratory to evaluate cancer cells and bone marrow health.
Is bone marrow cancer leukemia?
Bone marrow cancer and leukemia both begin in the bone marrow, but they are different types of cancer. Bone marrow cancer usually occurs as a result of the overgrowth of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow. This condition is often called multiple myeloma and arises from plasma cells. It may manifest itself with symptoms such as pain in the bones, frequent fractures, weakness and anemia.
Leukemia, on the other hand, is associated with abnormal proliferation of blood cells in the bone marrow. Leukemia affects blood cells in the bone marrow, such as red blood cells, leukocytes (white blood cells), or platelets (cells that help blood clot). In leukemia, abnormal cells are produced instead of normal blood cells and replace normal cells in the bone marrow.
Both conditions are related to the bone marrow, but the types and origins of the cancer cells are different. Bone marrow cancer, like multiple myeloma, arises from certain plasma cells, while leukemia is associated with abnormal growth in various blood cells.