Bone marrow cancers are a complex group of haematological malignancies that can be life-threatening if not detected and treated promptly. Diseases like leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma originate right at the source of blood cell production and disrupt normal hematopoiesis. However, research has now uncovered valuable insights into the unique genetic and molecular characteristics of these cancers. Cancer doctor in bangalore plays an important role in bone marrow cancer.
- Bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced.
- Bone marrow cancer refers to cancer that begins in the cells of the bone marrow.
- It is also called bone marrow neoplasm or haematological malignancy.
Types of Bone Marrow Cancers
- Leukaemia – Cancer of the blood-forming tissues leading to abnormal white blood cells. Acute and chronic types.
- Multiple Myeloma – Cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow causing bone damage.
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – Cancer of the lymphatic system involving lymphocytes.
- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – Cancer marked by Reed-Sternberg cells which spread in lymph nodes.
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes – Bone marrow failure disorders that can transform into leukaemia.
Diagnosing Bone Marrow Cancer
- Blood tests like complete blood count, and peripheral smear to check for abnormal cells.
- Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration for examination under microscope.
- Imaging tests like X-ray, CT, and PET scans to see the spread.
- Immunophenotyping and cytogenetics to identify specific proteins and genes.
Treating Bone Marrow Cancer
There are many cancer treatments available at HCG cancer center bangalore, some of them are below:
Chemotherapy
- It uses anti-cancer drugs that kill rapidly dividing cancer cells.
- Given as injection, orally or intravenously.
Radiation
- High-energy beams are used to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours.
- External beam radiation or internal radiation is implanted inside the body.
Surgery
- Splenectomy to remove the enlarged spleen.
- Lymph node dissection for lymphomas.
Stem Cell Transplant
- Replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
- Autologous and allogeneic donor transplants are options.
Targeted Therapy
- Drugs that specifically target cancer cell mechanisms and proteins.
- Examples: Imatinib for CML, Rituximab for lymphoma.
Bone marrow cancers require prompt specialized treatment. With an experienced physician and personalized plan, remission and cure are possible.
