Bone Marrow Disease

Bone marrow is located inside many of the bones, such as the thigh and hip bones. It is spongy tissue that contains stem cells. These stem cells develop into platelets, white and read blood cells. Platelets help the blood clot. The white blood cells (WBC) fight infections and the red blood cells (RBC) carry oxygen throughout the body. With bone marrow diseases there are problems with the stem cells or the way they develop. The cause of bone marrow diseases can include environmental factors and genetics.

Symptoms

• Bone marrow disease symptoms vary according to the specific disease. With Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms can include unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes in the groin, armpits or neck, fever and coughing. Sickle cell anemia symptoms are dizziness, chest pain, headaches, coldness in the hands and feet, and shortness of breath. With leukemia, symptoms can include tiredness, aches in the back, legs and arms, and prolong bleeding in minor cuts and pale skin.

Cells

• Leukemia can begin with one abnormal cell that constantly clones itself. Thus, the abnormal cells crowd out the normal cells and do not fight off infections. Also, the abnormal cells inhibit the production of platelets and RBC. Aplastic anemia can be caused by chemicals like radiation and benzene. The RBC are lost because of injury to the bone marrow (because of chemicals) or a defect in the stem cell that produces the RBC.

Disorders

• A group of conditions, known as myeloproliferative disorders, overproduce the precursor of bone marrow cells. The precursors are immature cells grow to become the WBC, platelets and RBC, depending on the type of blood cells the body needs. An over production of cells can lead to shortages of the other cells because the cells are decreased, crowded out and inhibited. Plasma cell disorders, another group of conditions, overproduce the B lymphocyte.

Tests

• Various types of tests diagnose bone marrow diseases, including X-rays to check the chest or spleen, and tests to detect genetic bone marrow abnormalities. A flow cytometry test is used to measure DNA and cell surface antigens in the peripheral blood and bone marrow. The flow cytometer, an instrument used, examines and counts the abnormal cells. Bone marrow biopsy or aspiration tests allow doctors to look at cell and tissue samples in the blood marrow.

Treatments

• Leukemia is usually treated with radiation or chemotherapy. The goal of this treatment is to kill the abnormal blood cells and restore blood cell function. Also, there are treatments for pain relief. For instance, for individuals who suffer from sickle cell, blood transfusions can aid in pain relief if the bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells. Bone marrow transplants are another treatment option. With a transplant an individual's abnormal cells are removed and the cleaned cells are frozen then transplanted back into the individual. Also, bone marrow can be taken from a suitable donor and implanted into the individual.