Pros And Cons Of Bone Marrow Transplant

We may have come across bone marrow but it is unlikely that many of us will not be able to have the right kind of knowledge and information about it. Hence, it would be a good idea to know more about bone marrow transplantation from a common man’s perspective. Our bones have hollows inside them and this is the place bone marrow is produced. Bone marrow is a thick and gel-like substance and it is the place where the body produces red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. We might be aware that red blood cells are required for the growth of the body and the transportation of oxygen to various parts of the body. White blood cells help in fighting diseases and improving the overall immunity levels of the body. Platelets are extremely useful in helping the blood to clot and prevent uncontrolled bleeding in case of injuries and other such problems. While in a normal situation the bone marrow continues to produce adequate quantities of stem cells for these three main types of cells, there could be some situations where this may not be possible for the bone marrow. This could happen because of some types of blood cancers and also because of chemotherapy and other forms of treatment.

 When Does Bone Marrow Transplant Become Necessar

When the bone marrow does not produce the required amount of bone stem cells or when it stops producing stem cells, you have no other option but to go in for bone marrow transplant. Without stem cells, it will not be long before the patient collapses and in many cases, the condition might turn fatal. Hence, bone marrow transplantation becomes extremely necessary and it could make the difference between life and death. However, this is something you must do and it must be done only under the careful supervision of doctors and only when all other options have failed.

 

How is Bone Marrow Transplant Take Place?

There are two major ways by which bone marrow transplant can be done. The first way is to take bone marrow from other parts of the body and have it implanted where it is necessary. The second way is to look for donors and ensure that the blood group and other such attributes match. Once this happens, it is possible to inject the bone marrow from the donor to the recipient. If the body accepts this, it will not be long before the recipient’s body starts producing healthy red and white blood cells and also platelets. This process has to be done under the careful guidance and care of a good doctor because it could be risky.

 

Possible Complications

However, we need to bear in mind that there could be possible complications during and after the transplant. The body might reject the transplant and this could happen within a day or two. In some cases, it could happen after a few days and the risk of infections and other such problems should also be addressed as early as possible. Hence, the costs versus benefits of bone transplantation should never be lost sight of and the doctor is the best person who can take a call on this.

Contact US:

Gift of Life Marrow Registry
Address:  800 Yamato Rd suite 101  Boca Raton, FL
Phone: (800) 962-7769