Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Coping
In addition, there aremyeloproliferative neoplasms(MPN) that may be benign (noncancerous), precancerous, or cancerous. This article will review the types of bone marrow cancer, how they are diagnosed, treated, and how to cope if you’ve been diagnosed with one.
ljubaphoto / Getty Images.
Types of Bone Marrow Cancer
Leukemia is a type of cancer affecting white blood cells and can be acute or chronic. Acute leukemias grow quickly, whereas chronic leukemias grow more slowly.Examples of leukemia include:
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that affects the plasma cells, which are responsible for producing antibodies to help the body fight infection.
Myelodysplastic syndromes(MDS) are a group of disorders that affect the production of blood cells in the bone marrow. The blood cells don’t grow to the full maturity they are supposed to, which results in them not working properly.
Examples of types of MDS include:
Myeloproliferative neoplasms are a group of diseases in which too many of a certain type of cell (white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets) are made. The abnormal growth of these cells can prevent them from working properly and can lead to other problems. These conditions may be benign, precancerous, or cancerous.
The types of MPN include:
Chronic leukemias may also be classified in this group.
Bone Marrow Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of bone marrow cancers can differ depending on the type and stage of the cancer. However, some common symptoms of bone marrow cancers can include:
In some cases, no symptoms may be present or may be so mild they aren’t noticed or are attributed to something else. Additionally, symptoms other than the ones listed above may be present, depending on the type of cancer.
Cancer develops when the DNA (genetic material) in the affected cells becomes abnormal in some way. In many cases, the exact cause of these cancers is not fully understood. But there are knownrisk factorsthat can increase someone’s chance of developing these cancers.
Risk factors for developing leukemia can vary somewhat depending upon the type. However,common risk factors include:
Risk factors for developing multiple myeloma include:
Multiple myeloma is diagnosed more often in Black people.
Risk factors for MPN and MDS are similar and include:
Laboratory tests may be taken to evaluate thecomplete blood count (CBC). This test provides a result of the numbers of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, as well as abnormalities in the shape and size of blood cells. Additional blood testing can evaluate kidney and liver function, electrolytes, and more.
If indicated, abone marrow biopsymay be performed. This involves removing a small amount of bone marrow tissue and examining it under a microscope. This can determine any abnormalities within the bone marrow, and further testing of the marrow can look for genetic changes or mutations.
Imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) scans or positron-emission tomography (PET) scans can help identify the extent of the cancer and if it has spread to other parts of the body.
Once the diagnosis is made, and all blood and imaging tests have been completed, the healthcare provider will determine the best treatment plan. The treatment of bone marrow cancers can vary depending on the specific type and stage of cancer. Some common treatments include:
The choice of treatment may also depend on the person’s age and overall health.In some cases, depending on the type of cancer, no treatment other than observation may be indicated. In this instance, it is called watchful waiting.
The prognosis for people living with bone marrow cancers can vary widely depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the person’s overall health. Some types, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia,have a relatively good prognosis, while others, such as acute myeloid leukemia,have a poorer prognosis.
Coping with bone marrow cancer can be difficult for the individual and their loved ones. Those living with bone marrow cancer need a support system of family, friends, and healthcare providers to help them through the emotional and physical aspects of the disease.
Some may find benefits in joining a support group to share their thoughts and feelings. Open and honest communication is so important for a person to maintain with their healthcare provider to ensure they receive the best possible care and support throughout their cancer journey.
Summary
Bone marrow cancers are a disease of the cells of the bone marrow, which make white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. When these cells develop abnormally, cancer can grow. There are multiple types of bone marrow cancers, and the treatment and prognosis can vary for each.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Cancer Institute.Myelodysplastic syndromes.National Cancer Institute.Leukemia-patient version.National Cancer Institute.Plasma cell neoplasms.National Cancer Institute.Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms.UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.MDS.Perner F, Perner C, Ernst T, Heidel FH.Roles of JAK2 in aging, inflammation, hematopoiesis and malignant transformation.Cells. 2019;8(8):854. doi:10.3324/haematol.2014.107631National Cancer Institute.Myeloma treatment.National Cancer Institute.Chronic lymphocytic leukemia.National Cancer Institute.Acute myeloid leukemia.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Cancer Institute.Myelodysplastic syndromes.National Cancer Institute.Leukemia-patient version.National Cancer Institute.Plasma cell neoplasms.National Cancer Institute.Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms.UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.MDS.Perner F, Perner C, Ernst T, Heidel FH.Roles of JAK2 in aging, inflammation, hematopoiesis and malignant transformation.Cells. 2019;8(8):854. doi:10.3324/haematol.2014.107631National Cancer Institute.Myeloma treatment.National Cancer Institute.Chronic lymphocytic leukemia.National Cancer Institute.Acute myeloid leukemia.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Cancer Institute.Myelodysplastic syndromes.National Cancer Institute.Leukemia-patient version.National Cancer Institute.Plasma cell neoplasms.National Cancer Institute.Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms.UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.MDS.Perner F, Perner C, Ernst T, Heidel FH.Roles of JAK2 in aging, inflammation, hematopoiesis and malignant transformation.Cells. 2019;8(8):854. doi:10.3324/haematol.2014.107631National Cancer Institute.Myeloma treatment.National Cancer Institute.Chronic lymphocytic leukemia.National Cancer Institute.Acute myeloid leukemia.
National Cancer Institute.Myelodysplastic syndromes.
National Cancer Institute.Leukemia-patient version.
National Cancer Institute.Plasma cell neoplasms.
National Cancer Institute.Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms.
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.MDS.
Perner F, Perner C, Ernst T, Heidel FH.Roles of JAK2 in aging, inflammation, hematopoiesis and malignant transformation.Cells. 2019;8(8):854. doi:10.3324/haematol.2014.107631
National Cancer Institute.Myeloma treatment.
National Cancer Institute.Chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
National Cancer Institute.Acute myeloid leukemia.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
