Cancer
- About Cancer
- Cancer and Genetics
- Cancer and Nutrition
- Cancer Diagnosis
- Cancer Test and Procedures
- Cancer Treatment
- Cancer Treatment Side Effects
- Living With Cancer
-
Specific Cancers
- Adrenal Cancer
- Anal Cancer
- Bile Duct Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Bone Cancer
- Brain and Central Nervous Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Carcinoma of Unknown Primary
- Cervical Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Endometrial Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Ewing Sarcoma
- Eye Cancer
- Gallbladder Cancer
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Hodgkin Disease
- Kaposi's Sarcoma
- Kidney Cancer
- Laryngeal Cancer
- Leukemia - Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
- Leukemia - Acute Myelocytic (AML)
- Leukemia - Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
- Leukemia - Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
- Leukemia - General
- Liver Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Malignant Mesothelioma
- Multiple Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Oral Cancer
- Other Cancers
- Ovarian Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Penile Cancer
- Pituitary Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Skin Cancer - Melanoma
- Skin Cancer - Non-Melanoma
- Soft Tissue Sarcoma
- Stomach Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Thymus Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Urethral Cancer
- Uterine Cancer
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vulvar Cancer
Cancer Treatment - Bone Marrow Suppression and Chemotherapy
Cancer Treatment - Bone Marrow Suppression and Chemotherapy
The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type of chemotherapy and the amount given. Anticipating and managing side effects can help to minimize them and provide the best possible experience for the person receiving chemotherapy.
What is bone marrow suppression?
As each person's individual medical profile and diagnosis is different, so is his/her reaction to treatment. Side effects may be severe, mild, or absent. Be sure to discuss with your cancer care team the possible side effects of treatment before the treatment begins.
Nearly all chemotherapy agents suppress the bone marrow which, in turn, causes a reduction in the number of blood cells. The timing of this reduction varies according to which agents and doses are used for your treatment. Red blood cells carry oxygen, white blood cells fight infection, and platelets help to control bleeding and bruising. Thus, the risks for anemia, fatigue, infection, bleeding, and bruising are increased with bone marrow suppression.
What are the symptoms of bone marrow suppression?
The following are the most common symptoms of bone marrow suppression. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.
Symptoms of a low red blood cell count may include:
Fatigue
Paleness of skin, lips, and nail beds
Increased heart rate
Easy tiring with exertion
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Symptoms of a low white blood cell count only occur if an infection ensues due to the low count, and may include:
Fever and chills
Rash
Diarrhea
Swelling
Redness
An area that is warm to touch
Symptoms of a low platelet count may include:
Easy bruising
Bleeding: nosebleeds, gums, or mouth
Tiny red spots on the skin
Blood in the urine
Dark or black bowel movements
The symptoms of bone marrow suppression may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
