What is bone marrow transplantation?
Bone marrow transplantation is a medical procedure, by means of which a person’s bone marrow is replaced after being damaged or destroyed by a medical condition. People undergoing chemotherapy may experience a problem with their bone marrow and possibly may need a stem cell transplantation. These stem cells travel to the bone marrow and produce new blood cells and promote new cellular growth of the same.
So what is bone marrow and what are its functions
The spongy fatty tissue inside the bone is known as the bone marrow. Its functions are as follows:
- It creates red blood cells that carry oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
- It also produces white blood cells which help in fighting infection
- Platelets that are responsible for the formation of clots are also produced in the bone marrow.
- It also contains hematopoietic stem cells which happen to be immature blood-forming cells. These cells are unspecialized and have the potential to multiply through cell division and mature into different kinds of blood cells throughout one’s lifespan.
Therefore, the bone marrow is an integral part of the body. It helps in increasing one’s blood count, fighting against infections in the body, cure bleeding disorders as well as anemia. When it comes to bone marrow transplantations, the healthy stem cells can come from a donor. The cells are harvested and grown even before a person starts chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Later the healthy cells are stored ad used during transplantation.
Who needs bone marrow transplantation?
One must note that bone marrow transplantation is the very last resort, and final treatment apart from post-operative medication. When a person isn’t healthy enough to produce bone marrow in the body, they are suggested to undergo bone marrow transplantation which is an intricate procedure. This health issue could be chronic infections, cancer or long-term disease.
When does the bone marrow stop making new cells?
- Aplastic anemia where the barrow stops making new blood cells
- Multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and leukemia are few cancers which affect the bone marrow
- Chemotherapy can also cause extensive damage to the bone marrow
- An inherited disorder known as congenital neutropenia causes recurring infections which again damages the functions of the bone marrow
- Another inherited disorder known as sickle cells anemia causes misshapen red blood cells
- Patients suffering from thalassemia, where the body forms an abnormal amount of hemoglobin, is another reason why one might need a bone marrow transplantation.
What are complications associated with bone marrow transplantation?
A very complicated medical procedure, the bone marrow transplantation may arise a few complications during and after it has been completed.
- The patient may experience a drop in blood pressure
- Headache and nausea
- Some patients may also experience chills as well as fevers
- Other might notice shortness of breath
- Pain in the bones and joints is another problem which the patient might have to undergo.
What should you consider before undergoing a bone marrow transplant?
First up, you will need to realize that every patient, every case, every doctor, as well as every procedure, is different. Your age, your overall health, the disease you are being treated for, and the kind of transplantation you have received together will determine your recovery. Complications will vary from person to person and can be mild or severe.
Bone marrow transplantation cost is very high, which is why you must discuss the finances with your doctor. They will help you weigh the pros and cons, help you understand the complication, and let you decide whether or not do you want to opt. You may respond differently to medication and have a different recovery trajectory than the others.
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