Signs & Symptoms of People Who Need a Bone Marrow Transplant

A bone marrow transplant is a procedure in which a patient receives healthy bone marrow stem cells. It is performed to replace bone marrow that has been destroyed by radiation or chemotherapy or is not functioning properly. It may not function properly due to certain disorders, such as aplastic anemia (lack of cell precursors) or leukemia (white blood cell cancer). Patients in need of a bone marrow transplant experience certain symptoms.

Low Platelet Symptoms

• Certain symptoms can occur when a patient's blood platelets are too low. Such symptoms include excessive menstrual bleeding, spontaneous bruising, bleeding gums and nosebleeds, states the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation.

Low Red Blood Cell Count

• When a patient has a low red blood cell count, certain symptoms can occur. According to the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation, these are anemia, headaches, exhaustion, excessive sleeping, weakness and palpitations.

Low White Blood Cell Count

• A low white blood cell count can cause fevers, mouth ulcers and infections, says the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation.

Other Symptoms

• Patients may also experience other symptoms when they are in need of a bone marrow transplant. Lab Tests Online states that these include anemia-related pallor, joint pain and bone pain, weight loss, night sweats, bleeding and lymph node swelling (spleen, testicles, liver and kidneys). When the central nervous system or brain experience an increase in cells, patients may experience confusion, headaches, seizures and vomiting.