Nursing care for Bone Marrow cancer
Nursing care for Bone Marrow cancer
bone marrow cancer definition
Content is medically reviewed by:
Dr. Udaya Kumar Maiya (MBBS, MD, DNB(RT), DCCF (Paris), Medical Director, Portea.
It is a type of cancer that builds whenever a tumor or any abnormal mass is formed in the spongy tissue of the bone. The tumor can grow aggressively and can spread to other parts of the body. By nature, it is malignant, which can pose some serious damage to the overall bodily functioning. Till date, there are no definite bone marrow cancer causes, although certain things can increase the risk of developing this type of cancer.
types of bone marrow cancer
There are different types of bone marrow cancers out of which the Primary Bone Cancer is considered as the most serious one. They form on an immediate basis in the bones and covers up the tissues such as cartilage.
Cancer can spread or even metastasize from every other part of the body to your bones. Such a thing is called the secondary bone cancer. The secondary bone cancer is more common.
Bone Marrow Cancer Types
Multiple Myeloma (MM)
This type of cancer directly affects the plasma cell, which is a type of white blood cells. Functionally, the white blood cells are responsible for fighting infections. But when an individual suffers from Myeloma (MM), the body instead of defending, starts killing its own healthy cells.
Among different bone marrow cancer, Multiple Myeloma has the best prognosis. With effective bone marrow cancer care, MM can be cured to a great extent.
Osteosarcoma (Osteogenic)
Osteosarcoma, also known as Osteogenic, affects small children and adolescents. But, in rare cases, it can even occur in adults. It spreads from the tips of the longer bones right to the legs and arms. In addition, it can even start in the hips, shoulders and other boney regions.
Chondrosarcoma
Generally, Chondrosarcoma happens in the thigh areas, pelvis and shoulders of different adults. It has its formation in the subchondral tissue which is often said as the toughest tissue between the bones. Chondrosarcoma is the second most severe type of cancer which involves the bones.
Ewing’s Sarcoma
The Ewing’s sarcoma is the rarest of all bone marrow cancer. For formation, it starts building up in the softer tissues or in the bones of young adults and children. Usually, the long bones of the body are affected such as the legs, arms, pelvis etc.
bone marrow cancer symptoms
As the bone marrow cancer has different types, its symptoms will differ from individual to individual. Different bone marrow cancer symptoms are as follows:
Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma (MM) includes:
Fatigue
Increase in Infections
Fractures and Bone Pain
Changing the Urination Frequency
Thirst
Nausea and Vomiting
Weight Loss
Confusion
Symptoms of Leukemia Includes:
Shortness of Breath
Night Sweats
Fever
Enlargement of lymph nodes
Feeling Weak
Pale Complexion
Frequent Bruising
Body Aches
Regular Bleeding from smaller wounds
The symptoms of lymphoma are a lot more similar to leukemia. But, they also include:
A persistent Cough
Night Sweats
Pain in the Lymph Node after consuming alcohol
Pain in the abdomen
Skin lumps and rashes
Loss of appetite
Feeling bloated and full every other time
In case if you are experiencing some of the bone marrow cancer symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor at the earliest.
bone marrow cancer stages
With the help of staging, doctors can perfectly track your disease and give you the necessary treatments. Sooner the bone marrow cancer diagnosis is started; greater is the chance of its effectiveness.