Bone Marrow Cancer Information
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- Information on Bone Marrow Cancer
- Primary Bone Cancer
- Bone Marrow Cancer Symptoms
- Bone Marrow Cancer Treatment
- Our Hospitals
Bone Marrow Cancer Diagnosis
If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed with bone marrow cancer, you probably feel like your life has been turned upside down. The news that you have bone marrow cancer brings many questions to mind.
You may be asking yourself:
- How did I get bone marrow cancer?
- Could my bone marrow cancer have been prevented?
- What are my options for bone marrow cancer treatment?
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) can help. CTCA is the home of integrative, compassionate cancer care. We offer comprehensive cancer treatments that combine the best of conventional therapies with promising complementary options. Our dedicated team of cancer experts works closely with you, putting you at the center of your care. Together, we will devise a customized bone marrow cancer treatment plan based on your age and unique health needs.
To learn more about bone marrow cancer treatment options at CTCA, contact one of our helpful Oncology Information Specialists today at 1-800-615-3055 or Use Our Online Chat Now. We are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What is Bone Marrow Cancer?
Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue in the center of most bones. It contains blood-forming “immature” cells called stem cells. Stem cells can develop into red blood cells (which carry oxygen through your body), white blood cells (which fight infection) and platelets (which help with blood clotting). When cancer forms in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow, it is called bone marrow cancer.
Types of Bone Marrow Cancer
Most cases of bone marrow cancer come from cancer that spreads to the bone from another organ. This is known as secondary bone cancer. When these cancers are examined under a microscope, they resemble the tissue they came from (i.e., breast, prostate, lung, etc).
Primary bone cancer is cancer that forms in cells of the bone. Some types of primary bone cancer are osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma.
Other kinds of bone marrow cancers that start in the blood forming cells of the bone marrow are as follows:
- Leukemia – when bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells
- Lymphomas - which more often start in lymph nodes, but can sometimes start in bone marrow
- Multiple Myeloma – cancer that develops from the plasma cells of the bone marrow
Primary Bone Marrow Cancer
Primary bone cancer is cancer that forms in cells of the bone. Some types of primary bone cancer are as follows:
- Osteosarcoma – a cancerous tumor of the bone itself and the most common primary bone cancer
- Chondrosarcoma – cancer that develops from the cartilage cells of the bone
- Ewing's sarcoma – tumors form in the cavity of the bone (i.e., usually in the long bones of the legs and arms)
- Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) – occurs more often in "soft tissues" (i.e., ligaments, tendons, fat and muscle)
Bone Marrow Cancer Symptoms
Bone marrow cancer most commonly occurs in the shafts of long bones. Although the first signs of bone marrow cancer inevitably vary from patient to patient, symptoms may include fever, fatigue, poor appetite and weight loss. However, the early symptoms of bone marrow cancer may be so sporadic and subtle that the patient may not see a doctor until the bone marrow cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Other possible symptoms of bone marrow cancer may include:
- Pain
- A hard lump on the bone
- Swelling, stiffness, or tenderness in the bone (i.e., in or near a joint)
- Restriction of movement
- Unexplained fractures
- Anemia (low red blood cells)
- Weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness
- Lowered resistance to infections
Note: Symptoms may vary depending on the location and size of the cancer. Also, these symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer. Only a doctor can determine whether or not a patient has bone marrow cancer.
Bone Marrow Cancer Treatment
When choosing from bone marrow cancer treatment options, there are several factors to consider. Your age, the stage of your cancer and your overall health at the time of treatment all influence which bone marrow cancer treatments will be best for you.
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we offer comprehensive bone marrow cancer treatment options, including surgery, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and fractionated dose chemotherapy. We also enhance these conventional cancer treatments with complementary therapies, such as nutrition therapy, naturopathic medicine, mind-body medicine, spiritual counseling and more.
In addition, we also offer bone marrow transplants (a type of stem cell transplant) at CTCA. Stem cell transplants are used to replace bone marrow when it has been destroyed by disease, chemotherapy, or radiation. The Stem Cell Transplantation Program at CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center provides both autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplants. Some of the diseases treated with a stem cell transplant include leukemia, lymphoma (including Hodgkin’s Disease) and multiple myeloma.
CTCA Facility Locations
At CTCA, we are dedicated to providing our patients with up-to-date cancer treatment options. And, we deliver these integrative cancer treatments under one roof—in a compassionate and patient-centered environment designed to help you focus on healing.
If you are interested in learning more about our hospitals, including the treatments offered, our experienced doctors and practitioners, or the location of each of our facilities, please visit our Hospital Locations page.
More on Bone Marrow Cancer Treatment Options at CTCA
If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed with bone marrow cancer, Cancer Treatment Centers of America can help. Through our innovative therapies, nurturing facilities and caring staff of cancer experts, CTCA is proud to offer comprehensive bone marrow cancer treatment options that focus on the patient as a whole person.
For more information about CTCA and our bone marrow cancer treatment options, call us anytime at 1-800-615-3055 or contact us through our Online Chat.
Bone Marrow Cancer Survivor Stories
As a bone marrow cancer patient or caregiver, you need to know that you are not alone. Find hope and encouragement through inspiring cancer survivor stories told by CTCA patients.
To find out if CTCA is the right cancer center for you, call us anytime at 1-800-615-3055 or contact us through our Online Chat.
