What is Bone Marrow Cancer

Bone marrow refers to the soft-tissue which is present at the center of mostly all the bones in one’s body. It contains cells known as ‘stem cells’, these are blood-forming immature cells. These stem cells subsequently transform into white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. White blood cells fight infection, while red blood cells transport oxygen through one’s body, and platelets assist blood clotting. When cancer develops in these stem cells present in the bone marrow, it is referred to as bone marrow cancer.

Types of bone marrow cancer:-

In many cases bone marrow cancer, it develops from cancer that has spread to the bone from some other organ in one’s body, this is known as ‘secondary bone cancer’. In this form of cancer, when the cancer is observed under the microscope, it can be determined as to which organ in one’s body first contracted it and consequently spread it to the bone, this is known as it tends to resemble the tissue it came from(prostrate, lung, breast, etc).

Another type of bone marrow cancer is known as ‘primary bone cancer’, this refers to the cancer that forms in the cells of one’s bone. A few types include – Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, and Ewing’s sarcoma.

Other types of bone marrow cancers that originate in the blood forming cells present in one’s bone marrow are – Leukemia(bone marrow manufactures white blood cells that are abnormal), Lymphomas(mostly originates in ones lymph nodes), and Multiple Myeloma(develops from plasma cells present in bone marrow).

Symptoms:-

Early symptoms may include fatigue, fever, poor appetite, and weight loss; however these signs/ symptoms may vary from patient to patient. The sad truth however remains that the early signs of bone marrow cancer are so subtle that many patients decide on consulting a doctor only when it’s too late, i.e. when the cancer is spread to other parts of the body. Some other symptoms may include – A hard lump on one’s bone, pain, Restricted movement, Unexplained fractures, Anemia, Weakness, Shortness of breath, dizziness, lowered resistance to infections, and lastly Swelling, stiffness, or tenderness in the bone.


Written By : Jeffrey Kenneth Cray