Bone marrow is a soft tissue within the long bones of the body. It houses the stem cells that give rise to the red blood cells that carry oxygen, white blood cells that provide immunity and platelets, which help blood clotting. Disorders of the bone marrow pose a serious medical threat, according to Medline Plus.
Polycythemia Vera
Polycythemia Vera occurs when the bone marrow produces too many blood cells, particularly red blood cells. Most cases are caused by a genetic mutation in the JAK2V617F gene and afflict more men than women, over the age of 40. Symptoms of polycythemia vera include enlarged spleen with upper left abdominal pain; labored breathing, fatigue, stomach aches, severe itching after a warm bath or shower; nose bleeds, blood in the urine, bleeding gums, purple spots on the skin, high blood pressure, reduced visual acuity and headache, according to UMMC and Medline Plus.
Primary Myelofibrosis
Primary Myelofibrosis is a serious bone marrow disorder where the bone marrow is slowly replaced by fibrous, scar tissue. Developing slowly over the age of 50, the disorder inhibits blood cell production in the bone marrow; therefore, causing blood cell production in abnormal regions like the liver or spleen, forcing the organs to enlarge. If the bone marrow is unable to produce blood cells, anemia, bleeding issues and chronic infections can occur. Additional symptoms include bruising, bone pain, fatigue, abdominal fullness, labored breathing, chronic infections and pale skin, according to UMMC and Medline Plus.
Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic anemia is a bone marrow disorder characterized by a deficiency in red blood cell, white blood cell and platelet production. As a result, anemia, hemorrhage and chronic infections are common with this condition. Striking over the age of 50, aplastic anemia is a rare condition, affecting an estimated 2 to 12 per million. The cause of the disorder is unknown and the only treatment is a bone marrow transplant. If left untreated, the condition can develop into leukemia, according to Rush University Medical Center.
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
Chronic myelogenous leukemia, or CML, is cancer of the bone marrow that produces an excessive amount of granulocytes, a type of white blood cell. The cancerous white blood cells do not mature into functioning cells, they just proliferate and take up space in the blood vessels; leaving little space for the normal blood cells to function. Typically developing after the age of 50, CML symptoms includes fever and night sweats, labored breathing, intestinal bleeding, weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue and gastrointestinal bleeding, according to the National Cancer Institute.
