Pernicious anemia is a decrease in the number of red blood cells due to lack of intrinsic factor, which is a stomach protein that helps the body absorb vitamin B-12 from foods. Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin that is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. A low level of B-12 leads to pernicious anemia. Patients with pernicious anemia are at increased risk for various cancers, according to PubMed.
Cancer Patients and Pernicious Anemia
Pernicious anemia increases the risk of cancers of the stomach, esophagus and mouth and for leukemia and lymphoma, according to PubMed. Patients with pernicious anemia lack vitamin B-12, which is important for DNA synthesis and red blood cell production in the bone marrow. Lack of B-12 causes cells to have abnormal DNA structures, which may trigger the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.
Cancer Symptoms
Patients who develop cancer due to pernicious anemia may experience symptoms that occur with most cancers. These symptoms include fatigue, fever, chills, loss of appetite, night sweats and weight loss. Symptoms of cancer depend on the type and location of the cancer. Stomach cancer causes indigestion, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Esophageal cancer causes swallowing problems. Colon cancer causes bloody stools, constipation, diarrhea and lower left abdominal pain.
Pernicious Anemia Symptoms
Patients with pernicious anemia experience symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, rapid heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, swollen red tongue, bleeding gums, problems concentrating, confusion, memory loss, depression, problems walking, numbness and tingling in hands and feet, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. Patients with complications of pernicious anemia may develop psychosis, severe dementia, permanent nerve damage and cancer.
Treatment of Pernicious Anemia
Early treatment of pernicious anemia is important to prevent complications such as cancer and permanent neurological damage. Patients with pernicious anemia are treated with lifelong B-12 injections. Pernicious anemia is rarely treated using oral supplements because of problems with absorption of the vitamin in the stomach and intestines. B-12 shots are preferred because the injections are administered directly into the bloodstream for immediate absorption.
