bone marrow cancer

Bone marrow cancer, also known as multiple myeloma, is a type of blood cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow [8][9]. It's a rare disease that affects many parts of your body [12].

What happens in bone marrow cancer:

• Cancerous plasma cells build up in the bone marrow, which is the soft tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced [3].
• The bone marrow becomes overcrowded with abnormal cells, leading to an imbalance in the production of healthy blood cells [10].
• As a result, the body's ability to fight infections and produce normal blood cells is compromised [1].

Symptoms:

• Bone pain in the back, hips, and ribs [9]
• Weakness or fatigue
• Recurring infections
• Weight loss
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)

Treatment options:

• A cancer specialist (oncologist) may use a machine that targets the affected bone marrow with high-powered radiation [5].
• Bone marrow biopsies are performed to analyze the percentage of normal and abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow [12].

Important note:

• Unfortunately, healthcare providers cannot cure multiple myeloma, but they can slow its progress and treat its symptoms [12].

Common Signs and Symptoms of Bone Marrow Cancer

Bone marrow cancer, also known as multiple myeloma or blood cancer, can cause a range of symptoms depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Bone pain: Pain in the bones, especially in the spine, chest, hips, or other areas where bone marrow is present [1][2][3]
• Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired or weak due to anemia or low blood cell counts [4][5][6]
• Frequent infections: Increased risk of infections due to low white blood cell counts [7][8][9]
• Night sweats: Unexplained night sweats can be a symptom of bone marrow cancer [10][11]
• Weight loss: Unintended weight loss can occur due to anemia, fatigue, or other symptoms [12][13]

Other Possible Symptoms

In some cases, people with bone marrow cancer may experience:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Pain in the back or stomach
• Paleness or change in skin color

It's essential to note that not everyone with bone marrow cancer will experience all of these symptoms, and some people may have no symptoms at all [14]. If you're experiencing any unusual symptoms or concerns, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

[1] - Search result 3 [2] - Search result 8 [3] - Search result 9 [4] - Search result 10 [5] - Search result 11 [6] - Search result 12 [7] - Search result 6 [8] - Search result 7 [9] - Search result 13 [10] - Search result 1 [11] - Search result 14 [12] - Search result 5 [13] - Search result 4

Diagnostic Tests for Bone Marrow Cancer

Bone marrow cancer, also known as multiple myeloma, can be diagnosed through various tests that help identify the presence of abnormal cells in the bone marrow.

• Blood and Urine Tests: These tests can detect the presence of M proteins, which are abnormal proteins produced by myeloma cells. Blood tests can show up in a sample of blood, while urine tests can detect M proteins in urine [8].
• Bone X-rays: Bone x-rays can help identify any abnormalities or lesions in the bones that may be indicative of bone marrow cancer [5].
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans can show the location and size of a bone cancer. These tests can also provide information about the extent of cancer in the body [11].
• Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy: A bone marrow aspiration removes a small amount of fluid and cells from the bone marrow, while a bone marrow biopsy removes a small amount of bone along with fluid. These procedures are usually done together to get as much information as possible for a correct diagnosis [3][9].
• Bone Marrow Examination: The results of the biopsy can confirm a bone marrow cancer diagnosis by identifying abnormal cells in the bone marrow [2].

Accurate Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis of bone marrow cancer often depends on combining information from various tests, including imaging tests, bone marrow examination, and blood and urine tests. This helps to determine the extent of cancer in the body and anticipated response to treatment [12].

The differential diagnosis of bone marrow cancer involves considering various conditions that can affect the bone marrow, including primary or metastatic cancer, benign bone lesions, osteoporotic compression fracture, and other bone conditions.

According to search result [4], the full differential diagnosis of bone lesions includes:

• Primary or metastatic cancer
• Benign bone lesions
• Osteoporotic compression fracture
• Other bone conditions

Additionally, search result [6] mentions that the differential diagnosis of bone marrow fibrosis is extensive and includes primary myeloid neoplasms, malignant lymphomas, metastatic tumors, and other conditions.

Some specific types of bone marrow cancer that should be considered in the differential diagnosis include:

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) [3]
• Anemia
• Aplastic Anemia
• Hairy Cell Leukemia
• Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria

Laboratory tests, such as a complete blood count with differential, chemistry panel, hepatitis panel, and quantitative PCR for BCR-ABL1, can be helpful in diagnosing bone marrow cancer [15]. A baseline bone marrow aspirate and biopsy should also be performed with cytogenetics.

It's worth noting that the location of a bone lesion within the skeleton can also be a clue in the differential diagnosis [1].

References:

[1] The location of a bone lesion within the skeleton can be a clue in the differential diagnosis. [3] Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) [4] The full differential diagnosis of bone lesions includes primary or metastatic cancer, benign bone lesions, osteoporotic compression fracture, and other bone conditions. [6] The differential diagnosis of bone marrow fibrosis is extensive and includes primary myeloid neoplasms, malignant lymphomas, metastatic tumors, and other conditions. [15] Laboratory tests, such as a complete blood count with differential, chemistry panel, hepatitis panel, and quantitative PCR for BCR-ABL1, can be helpful in diagnosing bone marrow cancer.