Bone marrow diseases

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Bone Marrow Diseases

Bone marrow diseases refer to a group of diseases that affect the bone marrow. The bone marrow is the flexible tissue found in the hollow interior of bones. In adults, marrow in large bones produces new blood cells. Bone marrow diseases can disrupt this process and cause illness.

Pronunciation

Bone Marrow Diseases: /bəʊn ˈmærəʊ dɪˈziːz/

Etymology

The term "bone marrow" comes from the Old English ban meaning "bone" and mearh meaning "marrow". The term "disease" comes from the Old French desaise meaning "lack, want; discomfort, distress; trouble, misfortune; disease, sickness".

Types of Bone Marrow Diseases

There are several types of bone marrow diseases, including:

  • Leukemia: A group of blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow, hindering the body's ability to fight infection.
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes: Conditions that affect the bone marrow and blood, characterized by poorly formed or dysfunctional blood cells.
  • Aplastic anemia: A condition where the body stops producing enough new blood cells.
  • Multiple myeloma: A cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell made in the bone marrow.
  • Myeloproliferative disorders: A group of diseases in which the bone marrow makes too many cells of a certain type.

Symptoms

Symptoms of bone marrow diseases can vary greatly but may include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, easy bruising and bleeding, and frequent infections.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of bone marrow diseases often involves a combination of blood tests, bone marrow tests, and sometimes genetic testing.

Treatment

Treatment for bone marrow diseases depends on the specific disease, its severity, and the patient's overall health. Options may include medications, blood transfusions, or bone marrow transplant.

Related Terms

  • Hematopoiesis: The process of creating new blood cells in the body.
  • Stem cell: A type of cell with the unique ability to develop into specialised cell types in the body.
  • Hematologist: A doctor who specializes in diseases of the blood and blood components, including bone marrow cells.
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