Bone marrow is the fluid that is found in the center of the bones. It helps in developing three type of the blood cells- red blood cells (which carries oxygen to the body), white blood cells (provides protection against various infections) and platelets (helps in clotting the blood during injury). The cancer that affects the normal growth of the cells, which make up the bone marrow is known as bone marrow cancer. The proportion in which the blood cells are needed in the body get disturbed due to this cancer.

There are two types of bone marrow cancer- primary and secondary. The cancer that is caused directly in the bones is known as primary bone marrow cancer and the cancer that spreads from the other organs of the body is known as secondary bone marrow cancer. Primary bone marrow cancer is mostly found in the legs and arms. Bone marrow cancer is more common among children and young peoples than adults. It usually occurs in the age between 10 and 25 years. Men are more prone to it than women. Types of bone marrow cancer are- lymphomas (mainly found in lymph nodes, but sometimes can be found in bone marrow), multiple myeloma (develops from the plasma cells of the bone marrow) and leukemia (causes abnormal growth of the white blood cells). Primary bone marrow cancer is also of various types. these are- Ewing's sarcoma, osteosarcoma, malignant fiibrous histiocytoma and chondrasarcoma.

The most important and common bone marrow cancer symptom is pain in the bones. The size and location of the tumor in the body greatly affects the bone marrow cancer symptoms. The symptoms varies according to the changes in the tumor. Tenderness, stiffness and swelling can be seen in the bones if the tumor is in or near the joints. Difficulty in walking can be experienced due to this. Bone cancer also affects the normal working or movement of the body and can weakens the bones. Bones get easily fractured even without having enough trauma.

Bone marrow cancer symptoms are very subtle in the early stages that the patient may not notice it and don't see a doctor for it. And if doctor is not consulted at the proper stage, the cancer is likely to spread to other parts of the body too. Resistance against infection decreases due to fall in the amount of the white blood cells in the blood. Anemia can also be one of the major bone marrow cancer symptoms. Anemia is caused due to lack of red blood cells in the blood stream which supplies oxygen to the whole body. Other common symptoms of bone marrow cancer includes fever, fatigue, unwanted weight loss, loss of appetite and dizziness. Difficulty in breathing may be experienced due to lack of oxygen in the body. A lump on the bone can also be seen as the consequence of the bone marrow cancer. Unwanted loss of weight can be very dangerous to the health and causes many other problems. If you notice any of the above mentioned bone marrow cancer symptoms, consult your physician as soon as possible for further treatment.