Aplastic Anemia Treatment in NJ, CT, and MD
Aplastic anemia is a rare type of anemia that affects red blood cell production. It develops when the body fails to produce enough red blood cells for healthy function. Aplastic anemia can occur at any time throughout one’s life, and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Regional Cancer Care Associates serves patients in many locations in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C. area. We treat a variety of conditions, such as aplastic anemia, using state-of-the-art therapies.
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Causes of Aplastic Anemia
Stem cells are elements found in the bone marrow. They are responsible for the production of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. When a patient develops aplastic anemia, the immune system attacks these stem cells. This causes damage to the stem cells, and bone marrow can no longer make enough blood cells for efficient bodily functioning. Aplastic anemia can develop randomly, or it can occur in conjunction with:
- Pregnancy
- Radiation or chemotherapy
- Infections
- Toxic chemical exposure
- Autoimmune disorders
- Use of certain medications
In some cases, doctors may not be able to determine the cause of a patient’s aplastic anemia. If the cause is unknown, physicians may conduct further testing to rule out other types of anemia. From there, they can work to treat symptoms and return the body to a healthy state.
Aplastic Anemia Symptoms
Symptoms of aplastic anemia can range from mild to severe. Aplastic anemia can develop suddenly in some patients, or it can slowly worsen over time for others. People with aplastic anemia may experience symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Headaches
- Pale skin
- Dizziness
- Unexplained bruising
- Skin rash
- Nosebleeds
- Bleeding gums
- Difficulty healing from cuts
However, every case of aplastic anemia is different. While some people experience significant symptoms, others may not have any symptoms.
Diagnosing Aplastic Anemia
The highly experienced hematology physicians at Regional Cancer Care Associates have expertise in diagnosing all forms of anemia, including aplastic anemia. To properly diagnose this condition, physicians take a thorough history, perform a comprehensive medical examination, and then employ tests including:
- Blood tests: This includes measuring white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelet levels. A healthy blood count typically falls within a certain range. A complete blood count can determine if a patient’s red blood cell levels are low, which could indicate aplastic anemia and signal a need for further blood tests.
Bone marrow biopsy: This is a test to assess blood cells in the bone marrow, where these cells are produced. To conduct this test, doctors use a needle to take a small bone marrow sample from a joint in the body. Doctors then examine this sample using a microscope.
Aplastic Anemia Treatment at Regional Cancer Care Associates
With a passion for providing the best care to our patients, Regional Cancer Care Associates dedicates itself to ensuring that patients come first. Using the latest advances in medicine, we can treat aplastic anemia in many ways, including with:
- Medication
- Blood transfusion
- Bone marrow transplant
Serving New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington D.C. area, our care centers provide expert treatment for many non-cancer-related blood disorders. To learn more about our patient-centered approach to aplastic anemia, request an appointment with us today.
ADDITIONAL LINKS
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Schedule an Appointment at Regional Cancer Care Associates
If you need near-term or ongoing care for anemia or another benign blood disorder, schedule an appointment at Regional Cancer Care Associates. Patients have access to a full range of services across New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, DC area, making it easy to find a location convenient for you. Contact us today to learn more about our benign hematology services.
Regional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.