COMMON SYMPTOMS OF NON-CANCEROUS BONE MARROW DISORDERS

Did you know that the bones are one of the most common places that tumors develop?

Most people understand that the most common tumors of the bone are cancers. However, there are also non cancerous bone marrow disorders that you need to be aware of.

Non-cancerous bone marrow disorders, also known as non-malignant hematologic disorders, can cause a variety of symptoms.

Read on to learn about some common symptoms of noncancerous bone disorders.

Anemia

Anemia is a common symptom of noncancerous bone marrow disorders, such as aplastic anemia and iron deficiency anemia. It is characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or a decrease in hemoglobin levels. This can affect the body’s ability to transport oxygen to tissues and organs.

Anemia can present with symptoms such as:

  • fatigue
  • weakness
  • shortness of breath
  • pale skin

This occurs because the bone marrow, which is responsible for producing red blood cells, is not functioning properly due to the disorder. Therefore, anemia is not a disease itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying bone marrow disorder. Early diagnosis and treatment of the disorder can help alleviate anemia symptoms and prevent further complications.

Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia is a common symptom of noncancerous bone marrow disorders. This refers to a low platelet count in the blood. Platelets are responsible for clotting and preventing excessive bleeding. Thus, a decrease in their numbers can lead to:

  • easy bruising
  • prolonged bleeding
  • petechiae

Petechiae is a small red or purple spot on the skin. Thrombocytopenia can also manifest as:

  • nosebleeds
  • bleeding gums
  • heavy menstrual bleeding

This decrease in platelets is caused by a disruption in the production or destruction of platelets in the bone marrow. It is crucial to monitor and address thrombocytopenia to prevent any serious bleeding complications.

Neutropenia

Neutropenia is a common symptom of noncancerous bone marrow disorders, characterized by a low number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the body. Neutrophils play a crucial role in fighting off infections. So when their levels are low, it can leave the body vulnerable to a range of:

  • bacterial infections
  • fungal infections
  • viral infections

Neutropenia is often a sign of an underlying bone marrow disorder, such as aplastic anemia or myelodysplastic syndrome. These disorders can affect the production of blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in neutrophils.

Neutropenia can also be a side effect of certain medications or medical treatments, and it can present with symptoms such as fever, chills, and skin infections. Therefore, it is important to monitor neutrophil levels and seek medical attention if neutropenia is suspected.

Petechiae

Petechiae is a common symptom of noncancerous bone marrow disorders. It refers to small, flat, red, or purple spots on the skin that occur due to bleeding underneath the skin. This symptom is caused by a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood, which are essential for clotting.

When the bone marrow is not functioning properly, it can result in a lower platelet count. It then leads to the development of petechiae. This symptom may also be accompanied by other signs such as:

  • bruising easily
  • bleeding gums
  • excessive bleeding from minor cuts

Therefore, petechiae acts as an important indicator of a potential bone marrow disorder and should not be ignored. Consultation with a doctor is necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Bone Pain

Bone pain is a type of pain that is usually localized to the affected bone and can vary in intensity from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. Bone pain is caused by a disruption in the normal functioning of the bone marrow. This of which is responsible for producing new blood cells.

Noncancerous bone marrow disorders can all lead to bone pain. This is because they affect the production and quality of red blood cells, leading to a decrease in bone strength and density. The presence of bone pain in these disorders serves as an important warning sign and should not be ignored.

Enlarged Spleen

The spleen is an organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen. It is responsible for filtering blood and removing old or damaged red blood cells. In cases of noncancerous bone marrow disorders, the bone marrow produces an abundance of abnormal blood cells. This can cause the spleen to become enlarged. It occurs as the spleen attempts to filter out the excess blood cells.

An enlarged spleen can result in:

  • abdominal pain
  • fullness or discomfort
  • can be felt as a mass

Usually, this is felt in the left side of the abdomen. If left untreated, an enlarged spleen can lead to anemia and other health complications. Thus, it is important to seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms of an enlarged spleen concerning noncancerous bone marrow disorders.

Easy Fatigue or Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath can be associated with noncancerous bone tumors. This is primarily due to the impact of these disorders on the production of blood cells. In particular, known as the red blood cells (erythrocytes).

Anemia results in a decreased ability of the blood to carry oxygen. This means that the body’s tissues, including the muscles and organs, may not receive an adequate supply of oxygen. This then causes fatigue and, in severe cases, shortness of breath during even minimal physical exertion.

To compensate for the decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, the heart may pump faster to try to deliver more oxygen to the tissues. This increased heart rate can also contribute to feelings of shortness of breath.

If you want to be aware of whether this symptom you or someone is experiencing is benign or cancerous, it’s best to see a physician or explore resources like https://www.riomed.com/understanding-childhood-cancer-common-types-and-symptoms/.

Be Aware of the Non Cancerous Bone Marrow Disorders Symptoms

It is important to be aware of the common symptoms of non cancerous bone marrow disorders such as anemia, easy bruising, and prolonged bleeding. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Don’t ignore these warning signs, take control of your health and schedule an appointment today. Remember, early detection can greatly improve outcomes.

Should you wish to explore more topics aside from these bone marrow problems, visit our blog. We’ve got more new posts for you!

This article is published by NYTech in collaboration with Syndication Cloud.

2023-09-26T02:33:20Z dg43tfdfdgfd