Bone marrow cancer: Symptoms, diagnosis & treatment in Turkey 2024

Hematopoiesis: The genesis of blood cells

Hematopoiesis is the biological process by which blood cells are continuously produced. This vital phenomenon takes place primarily in the bone marrow, a veritable cell factory. From pluripotent stem cells, the bone marrow gives rise to a variety of cell lineages, each specialized for a specific function.

The two main lineages of hematopoiesis are as follows:

• The myeloid lineage gives rise to red blood cells, platelets, and some of the white blood cells (granulocytes and monocytes) involved in the innate immune response.
• The lymphoid lineage gives rise to B and T lymphocytes, the key players in adaptive immunity, which provides long-term protection against infectious agents.

Growth factors and cytokines finely regulate the production of blood cells. Any imbalance can lead to serious consequences such as anemia, leukemia, or coagulation disorders.

Bone marrow cancer: Different types

The bone marrow, a veritable factory for the production of blood cells, can be the site of several types of cancer. These often complex diseases are characterized by an abnormal proliferation of blood cells, affecting the production of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

The most common types of bone marrow cancer are:

Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma, also known as Kahler's disease, is one of the most common bone marrow cancers in the elderly. The disease is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells specializing in antibody production. This excessive proliferation leads to an accumulation of cancer cells in the bone marrow, interfering with the normal production of blood cells and potentially causing bone damage.

Leukemias

Leukemias are cancers of the blood and bone marrow characterized by the overproduction of immature white blood cells.

There are two types of leukemia:

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): CLL is the most common type of adult leukemia. It develops slowly and is characterized by an accumulation of abnormal B lymphocytes in the blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.
• Acute leukemia: Acute leukemia, the most common form of leukemia in children, develops rapidly. It is characterized by an excessive proliferation of immature white blood cells that replace normal blood cells and prevent the bone marrow from functioning properly.

Common symptoms of bone marrow cancer

Although each type of bone marrow cancer has its own specific symptoms, some signs may be common to several of these diseases:

• Severe fatigue.
• Bone pain.
• Recurring infections.
• Anemia (pale skin, shortness of breath).
• Easy bleeding.
• Unintentional weight loss.
• Fever.
• Night sweats.

Bone marrow cancers are complex diseases that require specialized medical care. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to improving a patient's prognosis.

If you have any of the above symptoms, you can consult one of our hematology specialists in Turkey.

Diagnosis of bone marrow tumors

Diagnosing a bone marrow tumor requires an individualized approach tailored to each patient. The tests and procedures used depend on the symptoms and location of the tumor.

Medical imaging: an important first step

Medical imaging tests play a crucial role in diagnosis, allowing us to

• Visualize the tumor: its size, shape and exact location are determined using techniques such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT),magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET).  
• Assessing the extent of the disease: These tests help determine if the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.

Biopsy: Confirming the diagnosis and characterizing the tumor

To confirm the diagnosis and obtain detailed information about the nature of the tumor, a biopsy is usually performed. A sample of tumor tissue is removed for laboratory analysis.

Two types of biopsies are commonly used:

• Needle biopsy: Less invasive, this involves removing small fragments of tissue with a fine needle.
• Surgical biopsy: More invasive, this involves removing part or all of the tumor for further analysis.

The choice of technique depends on several factors, including the location of the tumor and the needs of the analysis.

Personalized care by an experienced team is essential to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment.

Different stages of osteoblastoma

Once your doctor has diagnosed bone marrow cancer, the next step is to determine its severity (stage). This is important in determining the treatment options available. Several factors are considered, including:

• Size of the tumor.
• The rate of cancer progression.
• The number of bones involved, such as adjacent vertebrae in the spine.
• The presence of metastases in other parts of the body.

The stages of osteoblastoma are graded from I to IV using Roman numerals. Lower stages indicate a smaller, less serious tumor, while stage IV indicates that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Determining the stage of osteoblastoma is important in developing an appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation. Your doctor will use this information to determine the best treatment options and provide you with the best possible care.

Bone marrow cancer treatment in Turkey

At Turquie Santé, we have developed an innovative, personalized approach to treating bone marrow cancer.

Using state-of-the-art 3D imaging, we perform an accurate assessment of your bone anatomy to plan the most appropriate surgery for your case. Our team of oncologists, orthopedic and microvascular surgeons, and other specialists work closely together to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Treatment for bone marrow cancer depends on a number of factors, including the type and stage of your tumor and your overall health. We offer several treatment options:

• Conservative surgery: The goal is to completely remove the tumor while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Advanced surgical techniques allow us to reconstruct the bone with bone grafts or prostheses.
• Amputation (last resort): In very special cases, when the tumor is very large or in an area that is difficult to access, amputation may be considered. However, with medical advances, this procedure is becoming less common. If amputation is necessary, you will receive rehabilitation to help you adjust to your new situation.
• Chemotherapy: This treatment uses medicines to destroy cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: This technique uses radiation to destroy cancer cells.

Turquie Santé: Your well-being is our priority!

At Turquie Santé, we understand that a cancer diagnosis is a difficult ordeal. That's why we do our utmost to support you as best we can by providing you with:

• Clear explanations: Our specialists will take the time to explain the different treatment options and answer all your questions.
• Personalized support: Our team is available to provide moral support and respond to your needs.
• Regular follow-up: We'll monitor your health regularly after treatment.
• Let's face the challenge together!

Our expertise and personalized approach will give you the best chance of recovery. Please contact us to learn more.