Our Medical Experts
Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
Find a DoctorDelhi/NCR:
MOHALI:
Dehradun:
BATHINDA:
BRAIN ATTACK:
Bone marrow cancer refers to a group of malignancies that affect the cells of the bone marrow, which is the spongy tissue found inside bones. Different types of cancer can develop in the bone marrow, such as leukaemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma.
Bone marrow cancer is of the following types based on the cells affected:
Leukaemia is the type of cancer in which uncontrolled proliferation of WBCs occurs. These WBCs may be immature or mature and interfere with the body's regular functioning. The body's defence mechanism gets disrupted, increasing susceptibility to infections. Leukaemia is further divided into:
Acute Leukaemia: In acute leukaemia, immature WBCs, called blasts, proliferate rapidly (more than or equal to 20% in blood or Bone marrow)
Chronic Leukaemia: In chronic leukaemia, more mature cells rapidly multiply.
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells. Normal Plasma cells are responsible for making antibodies.
Lymphoma is a type of cancer in which lymphocytes rapidly multiply, forming tumours that compromise the body's immune system. Lymphoma is of two types:
Hodgkin's lymphoma - affecting B lymphocytes
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma - involving B or T lymphocytes
Symptoms develop depending on the type of cancer, its location, severity, and how aggressive its progression is.
Leukaemia is a cancer of the WBCs. Symptoms that patients with leukaemia would present are:
Bone pain
Swollen lymph nodes
Unexplained weight loss of more than 10% body weight in a short period without specifically trying
Petechiae on the skin (pinpoint red dots)
Weakness and fatigue
Frequent infections since the body's defence mechanisms are affected
Fever and chills
Liver and spleen enlargement
Bruising easily
Night sweats
Multiple myeloma is a common type of bone marrow cancer. Some of the symptoms are:
Weakness and fatigue
Increased susceptibility to infections
Increased frequency of urination
Confusion, increased thirst
Pain in the bone and increased risk of fracture
Unexplained weight loss of more than 10% body weight in a short period without specifically trying
Nausea and vomiting
Backache, Bony pain
Fracture (Pathological fractures)
Lymphoma presents with the following symptoms:
A persistent cough that doesn't subside
lymph nodes enlargement in the neck, axillary, groin
Itchy skin, the appearance of rashes or skin lumps
Fever, weight loss, night sweats
Loss of appetite
An enlarged spleen gives rise to a feeling of bloating all the time.
Causes of bone marrow cancer or non-specific. However, some contributing factors may be:
Immunocompromised individuals (post-transplant or those taking immunosuppressant drugs, HIV patients)
Exposure to harmful radiation, chemicals, fumes, pesticides
Genetic predisposition
Smoking and drinking
The doctor first assesses the medical history familial history and performs a physical examination. The following tests are advised to diagnose bone marrow cancer:
Blood and urine tests: These are done to assess kidney function, electrolyte levels, and blood cell count. A CBC (complete blood count), tumour markers, and a complete metabolic profile may help diagnose bone marrow cancer.
A biopsy of the bone marrow may help check for the presence of cancer cells.
Specific scans such as X-rays, PET scans, CT scans, and MRIs may help detect changes in the bone structure.
The confirmatory tests are bone marrow aspiration & biopsy since they provide information about the specific type of cancer. Imaging techniques help assess how much the disease has progressed. In case of suspected lymphoma, lymph node biopsy is mandatory.
The treatment of bone marrow cancer depends on multiple factors such as age, the extent of the spread of cancer and the overall health of the affected individual. Considering the above factors, the doctor may advise the following treatment options:
Chemotherapy: Specific drugs are injected into the body to find and destroy cancer cells.
Radiation therapy: This treatment aims to reduce the size of tumour cells, lower pain, and kill cancer cells by delivering high-energy beams to a targeted organ.
Transplant: The cancerous bone marrow can be transplanted with a healthy one. This procedure is also known as stem cell transplant. It is combined with chemotherapy and radiation therapy to prevent the risk of cancer relapse in the new and healthy bone marrow.
Targeted drug therapy (Immunotherapy): These drugs specifically target cancer cells, unlike chemotherapy.
Biological therapy: Immune system of the affected individual can help destroy cancer cells. (CART-T cell therapy)
If cancer is untreated, it can prove fatal owing to reduced immunity, weakness, and increased susceptibility to infections.
Risk factors contributing to bone marrow cancer are non-specific, and the factors given below may have a role to play:
Compromised immune system
Excessive exposure to harmful radiation, chemicals, fumes, pesticides
Familial history of cancer
Smoking and drinking
Obesity
The prognosis of patients having bone marrow cancer is highly individual-specific. It depends on how an individual responds to therapy and has a lot to do with their willpower, mental health, the extent of the spread of cancer and underlying conditions.
Adult Acute Leukaemia are curable in 40-70% of cases (childhood acute leukaemia – 80-90%)
Lymphoma are curable in 50-60% of cases
Low-grade lymphoma life can be prolonged from 10-20 yrs
Multiple Myeloma life can be prolonged 5-8 yrs
Reviewed by Dr. Rayaz Ahmed, Director, Cancer Care / Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant, Hematology Oncology, Haematology (Hematology) on 24-May-2023.
What is the purpose of a bone marrow biopsy?
A bone marrow biopsy is a procedure where a sample of bone marrow is taken to analyse the presence of cancer cells.
How long does a bone marrow transplant procedure take?
A bone marrow transplant typically takes several weeks; the duration varies depending on the patient's condition and response to treatment.
FAQs reviewed by Dr. Rakesh Kumar Sharma - Associate Consultant, Medical Oncology andProf.(Dr.) Atul Sharma - Vice Chairman, Medical Oncology, Cancer Care / Oncology.
Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
Find a Doctor