BLOOD DISORDERS

Bone Marrow Diseases

Bone marrow is a vital tissue located inside large bones (such as the pelvis, sternum, and ribs) where all blood cells are produced.

There are three main types of cells produced in the bone marrow:

• Erythrocytes (red blood cells): Carry oxygen throughout the body.
• Leukocytes (white blood cells): Provide immune defense.
• Platelets (thrombocytes): Help stop bleeding.

When there is a disruption in the production of these cells, various diseases can develop. These disorders may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Benign Bone Marrow Diseases

In this group, blood cell production is reduced or cells are destroyed due to an overactive immune system. Treatment is usually supportive, and these conditions are often chronic.

Anemias

• Iron Deficiency Anemia: The most common type of anemia, caused by iron loss or poor absorption.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia: May affect the nervous system; usually due to malabsorption or inadequate intake.
• Folate Deficiency Anemia: Common during pregnancy; impairs DNA synthesis.
• Anemia of Chronic Disease (Functional Anemia): Iron stores are normal but cannot be effectively used.
• Aplastic Anemia: The bone marrow fails to produce sufficient blood cells, leading to infections and bleeding.
• Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS): Cells are abnormal and destroyed prematurely. It may progress to malignant disease.

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)

A condition in which the immune system destroys platelets for unknown reasons.

• Symptoms: Easy bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Treatment: Corticosteroids, TPO receptor agonists, or immunosuppressive therapies.

Thalassemia (Mediterranean Anemia)

• A genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin in red blood cells.
• Bone marrow transplantation can offer a permanent cure for severe cases.

Malignant Bone Marrow Diseases

These are cancers caused by uncontrolled proliferation of bone marrow cells.

Leukemia

Leukemia is blood cancer characterized by uncontrolled growth of blood-forming cells, suppressing normal production.

Acute Leukemias

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Rapid proliferation of immature myeloid cells; more common in adults.
• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Abnormal growth of lymphoid cells; most common in children.

Chronic Leukemias

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Caused by the BCR-ABL mutation (Philadelphia chromosome).
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Slow accumulation of mature lymphocytes in older adults.

Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN)

• Polycythemia Vera: Excess red blood cells.
• Essential Thrombocythemia: Excess platelets.
• Primary Myelofibrosis: Bone marrow fibrosis leading to anemia.

Multiple Myeloma

A cancer caused by uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells, damaging bones, kidneys, and blood production.

Lymphoma

Cancer of the lymphatic system, classified as Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Symptoms include painless swelling in the neck and night sweats.