Bone Marrow Disease Causes: A Complete Guide for Nigerian Patients

Considering a bone marrow transplant? Understand the underlying bone marrow disease causes and discover how this life-saving procedure can restore your health.

Bone Marrow Disease Causes: A Complete Guide for Nigerian Patients

  • Category

    Oncology

  • Published By

    GetWellGo Team

  • Updated on

    17-Sep-2026

The soft, spongy tissue inside some bones where blood cells are formed is bone marrow. Since the bone marrow is not able to function properly, it may impact red cells, white blood cells and platelets causing serious health issues. Knowing the causes of bone marrow disease enables patients in Nigeria to identify early signs and symptoms and seek the right treatment. Medicines, blood transfusions, chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant may be recommended for more serious or advanced bone marrow diseases. The availability of advanced transplant facilities and experienced haematologists in India is another reason why many Nigerian families decide to opt for specialised treatment in the country. This guide outlines the conditions that cause bone marrow diseases, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment as well as key facts about the cost of bone marrow transplants in India.

What is Bone Marrow Disease?

Bone marrow disease is an umbrella term for a family of diseases involving the abnormal production and working of blood cells. The healthy bone marrow always generates:

  • Red blood cells carry oxygen in the body.
  • White blood cells (WBC) fight infections.
  • Platelets regulate bleeding and the clotting of blood.

Damage or abnormality of the bone marrow can result in inadequate or abnormal blood cell production or in faulty blood cells. This may lead to anaemia and recurrent infections as well as excessive bleeding, fatigue and more. The cause of the underlying bone marrow disease can differ among the various conditions. Some diseases are passed down through the genes and some are caused by infection, autoimmune problems, cancer, drugs or toxic chemicals.

Common Bone Marrow Disease Causes

There are several causes that can upset the normal activity of the bone marrow. Knowing these causes is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.

Genetic and Inherited Conditions

Certain bone marrow diseases are caused by genetic abnormalities passed on by parents. These can cause blood cells to not be produced since childhood or later in life.

Examples include:

  • Sickle cell disease
  • Thalassemia
  • Fanconi anaemia
  • Diamond-Blackfan anaemia
  • Other Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes

Sickle cell disease is an important disease in Nigeria and other countries of Africa. It is due to an abnormal haemoglobin gene passed on from one's parents which results in the production of abnormal shaped red blood cells. Surgical intervention by bone marrow transplant may be an option in severe cases and could be a cure.

Bone Marrow Cancers

Some cancers grow in the bone marrow and disrupt the normal production of blood cells.

Common examples include:

  • Leukaemia
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes
  • Lymphoma of the bone marrow

In leukaemia, abnormal blood-forming white blood cells are produced that take over the space normally occupied by healthy white blood cells. This can result in anaemia, infections and bleeding issues. In multiple myeloma, plasma cells are a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow that is affected. It can cause harm to bone, kidneys and blood production in general.

Aplastic Anaemia

Aplastic anaemia is the condition where the bone marrow ceases to generate sufficient new blood cells, a serious condition. This results in a reduction of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Possible causes include:

  • Autoimmune reactions
  • Certain medications
  • Viral infections
  • Chemical exposure
  • Radiation
  • At times for an unknown reason

Severe aplastic anaemia can be treated with immunosuppressive therapy or transplantation of bone marrow depending on the patient's age, health and donor availability.

Infections

Some viruses can temporarily and permanently damage the function of the bone marrow.

Examples include:

  • Hepatitis viruses
  • HIV
  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • Parvovirus B19
  • Cytomegalovirus

Other infections not only affect the production of blood cells but also cause blood cell damage through immune reactions against the bones of the bone marrow. If a patient has persistent fever, unusual tiredness, frequent infections or unexplained bruising he or she should see a doctor for an evaluation.

Autoimmune Disorders

  • Autoimmune diseases are those where the body's immune system attacks healthy tissues. At times, this immune reaction is directed against bone marrow or blood forming cells.
  • Blood disorders that can be caused by autoimmunity include lupus and other systemic inflammatory disorders.
  • In some cases, auto-immune bone marrow failure can be treated with immuno-suppressive drugs. In some severe cases, however, stem cell transplantation may be necessary.

Treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy

  • Rapidly dividing cells including healthy bone marrow cells can be damaged by cancer treatment like chemotherapy and radiation.
  • It is normal for the bone marrow to be suppressed when person is undergoing cancer treatment. Chronic or severe damage, however, can lead to chronic low levels of blood cells.
  • Bone marrow failure also occurs as a result of high doses of radiation.

Toxic Chemicals and Environmental Exposure

Some chemicals can cause bone marrow disorders with long-term exposure.

The following may contain potential harmful substances:

  • Benzene
  • Industrial solvents
  • Certain pesticides
  • Some heavy metals

Without proper protective clothing, health risks may be higher due to occupational exposure. Industrial or agricultural workers should adhere to recommended safe working practices.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Some nutritional deficiencies can have adverse effects on the production of blood cells and the health of bone marrow.

Important nutrients include:

  • Vitamin B12
  • Folate
  • Iron
  • Vitamin B6

Severe deficiencies may cause anaemia and abnormal blood cell development. While nutritional deficiency can be treated, it must first be correctly diagnosed or symptoms of it cannot be assumed.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes

  • Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are conditions where abnormal or immature blood cells are made in the bone marrow.
  • These are more likely to occur in older patients and can be caused by genetic alterations, previous chemotherapy, radiation or an unknown factor.
  • At times, MDS may develop into a quick-growing kind of leukaemia known as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and early diagnosis and monitoring is important.

The symptoms of Bone Marrow Disorders

Symptoms vary depending on the cells of the blood that are involved. 

Low levels of Red Blood Cells (Anaemia)

  • Persistent fatigue
  • Pale skin
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Fast heartbeat

Low White Blood Cells

  • Frequent infections
  • Persistent fever
  • Difficulty healing from infections
  • Mouth ulcers

Low Platelets

  • Easy bruising
  • Nosebleeds
  • Bleeding gums
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Raised small red or purple lesions on the skin

Some patients may have more than one symptom. If symptoms persist or are unexplained, seek medical advice from a trusted physician.

How is the diagnosis of bone marrow diseases made?

There are a number of tests that doctors perform to determine the cause of bone marrow problems.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

  • A CBC gives information about the number of red cells, white cells and platelets. If you get a negative result, you might have some problem with the bone marrow.

Peripheral Blood Smear

  • This test looks at blood cells in the microscope to see if they are abnormal in shape, size or if they are immature blood cells.

Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy

One of the most valuable diagnostic tests is the bone marrow biopsy. A small amount of bone marrow is taken, typically from the hip bone and sent to a lab for analysis.

It can aid the diagnosis of:

  • Leukaemia
  • Aplastic anaemia
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Other marrow abnormalities

Genetic and Molecular Tests will also be conducted

  • These tests can detect certain gene changes or abnormalities of the chromosomes that can help doctors diagnose and treat a person.

Imaging and Other Tests

  • Depending on the disease suspected by a doctor, they may recommend a CT scan or MRI scan, an infection test or other specialised tests.

Treatment for bone marrow diseases

Treatment will vary depending upon the cause, severity, age and overall health of the patient.

Medicines

  • Medications may be used to treat some conditions including immunosuppressive drugs, antibiotics, growth factors or targeted therapies.

Blood Transfusions

  • If patients have severe anaemia or low platelets, they might need red blood cells or platelets transfusions.

Chemotherapy

  • Some cancers of the blood like leukaemia and some bone marrow cancers can be treated with chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy

  • Therapies may be directed against particular cancer cells or towards the immune system to help it combat abnormal cells.

Bone Marrow Transplant

A bone marrow transplant replaces damaged or diseased blood-forming stem cells with healthy stem cells from a donor or the patient's own body.

It can be used for:

  • Severe aplastic anaemia
  • Leukaemia
  • Lymphoma
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Thalassemia
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Some genetic bone marrow failure syndromes

How Bone Marrow Transplant work?

There are a number of critical steps in a bone marrow transplant (also known as haematopoietic stem cell transplantation).

Medical Evaluation

  • Blood tests, imaging, organ function test and disease assessment are performed on the patient.

Donor Matching

  • Allogeneic transplantation involves looking for a suitable donor through the use of a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) match. Ideally the sibling may be a good match, although other donors may be considered.

Conditioning Treatment

  • Chemotherapy (and in some cases radiation therapy) removes the damaged bone marrow and makes room for the new stem cells.

Stem Cell Infusion

  • Healthy stem cells are given as a transfusion into the patient's blood through a vein in the arm.

Engraftment and Recovery

  • The new stem cells migrate to the bone marrow and start to make normal blood cells. It is important that the patient is monitored closely during this time to avoid infection and any other complications.

Bone Marrow Transplant Cost in India for Nigerian patients 

The bone marrow transplant cost in India depends on various elements such as kind of transplant, the underlying sickness, availability of the donor, hospital, physician experience, medicines and hospital stay duration.

Other costs for international patients might include:

  • Tests carried out prior to treatment.
  • Donor testing
  • Chemotherapy and conditioning
  • Hospitalisation
  • If necessary, provide ICU care.
  • Medications
  • Follow-up consultations
  • Accommodation and travel costs

India is frequently thought of by the patients of Nigeria due to the availability of specialized haematology and transplant centers which have competent medical staffs. The actual bone marrow transplant cost will need to be verified after a medical report and treatment requirement is reviewed. Estimates based on individuals are more precise than those found online on a general basis.

Why Nigerian Patients Consider India for Bone Marrow Treatment?

A high-tech bone marrow transplant facility is available in major cities in India.

Patients can benefit from:

  • Well-trained haematologists and transplant experts
  • Advanced diagnostic laboratories
  • Modern transplant units
  • Internationally accredited hospitals
  • Multidisciplinary medical teams
  • Extraordinary patient coordination services

For patients in Nigeria going to India can also offer them access to treatments which may not be readily available in Nigeria. But it is always the best medical advice, severity of the disease, donor compatibility and individual patient needs that dictate treatment decisions.

Conclusion

Knowing about the cause of bone marrow disease is a key component to the process of recognising symptoms and finding timely medical treatment. Bone marrow may become impaired by a variety of genetic disorders, cancers, infections, autoimmune diseases, nutritional deficiencies and environmental exposures. For some diseases, medication and supportive therapy can be used to manage the condition but for severe diseases, a bone marrow transplant may be necessary. Nigerian patients seeking organ transplants from India have access to specialized transplant centers and skilled healthcare personnel. From the time of consultation to selecting a hospital and coordinating travel, to assisting patients after their treatment, GetWellGo is with them every step of the way.

Bone Marrow Diseases GetWellGo

GetWellGo is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our Nigerian clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.

We offer:

  • Complete transparency
  • Fair costs.
  • 24 hour availability.
  • Medical E-visas
  • Online consultation from recognized Indian experts.
  • Assistance in selecting India's top hospitals for Bone Marrow Diseases.
  • Expert haematologist with a strong track record of success
  • Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
  • Language Support
  • Travel and Accommodation Services
  • Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
  • Local SIM Cards
  • Currency Exchange
  • Arranging Patient’s local food

Recent Blogs