Can Macrocytic Anemia Cause Cancer

Macrocytic anemia occurs when red blood cells are abnormally large. A unit called femtoliter (fL) is used to measure the size of blood cells. Typically, red blood cells are between 80-100.

When cells get too large, they become less than they need and have less hemoglobin. This means that the blood is not as oxygenated as it should be. Low blood oxygen can cause many symptoms and health problems.

This is one of the most common types of macrocytic anemia is megaloblastic macrocytic anemia. This occurs when red blood cells produce DNA that is too slow to divide.

Symptoms of Macrocytic Anemia

Anemia develops slowly, so a person may not notice any symptoms until it becomes severe. It Includes -

• Weakness

• Paleness

• Exhaustion

• Diarrhea

• Less Appetite

• Depression

• Confusion

• Infertility

Macrocytic anemia is just one type of anemia. The symptoms of anemia are the same in all types, so it is important to use a blood test to diagnose the specific anemia a person has. When people develop macrocytic anemia due to a B-12 deficiency, they may have other symptoms. Contains:

• Weakness, pain, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

• Instability while walking

• Memory loss

These symptoms may get better after treatment, but they can be permanent if left untreated.

Reason for Macrocytic Anemia

Macrocytic anemia is almost always caused by a deficiency of folate or vitamin B-12. A person may be deficient in one of these if their body cannot absorb the vitamin because of an underlying disease, or because they do not eat enough foods with these vitamins.

B-12 is abundant in animal products, so vegetarians and vegans are at higher risk of B-12 deficiency. In some cases, people can eat enough foods with B-12 but are unable to absorb the vitamin due to autoimmune disorders, cancer, alcohol addiction, or inflammatory bowel disease.

A folate deficiency, sometimes referred to as a vitamin B-9 deficiency, can also cause macrocytic anemia. Pregnant and lactating women consume more folate and are more prone to be deficient.

People who do not eat enough folate-rich foods can also be deficient. Diseases that interfere with the body's ability to absorb nutrition, such as celiac disease, can cause folate deficiency.

Other causes of macrocytic anemia may include:

• Medicines, including HIV drugs, cancer drugs, and others that suppress the immune system

• Liver disease

• Hypothyroidism

• Rare metabolic disorders

Type

• Doctors classify macrocytosis into two broad categories:

• Megaloblastic macrocytosis is the most common form. This occurs when DNA cannot be produced due to a vitamin deficiency.

• Nonmegaloblastic macrocytosis, which can occur when there is a problem with the liver, spleen, or bone marrow.

Treatment

When a person shows symptoms of macrocytic anemia, the doctor will perform several blood tests to find the underlying cause. They also ask question about a person's diet, lifestyle, and other symptoms.

Ingestion of vitamins ensures that the body can absorb them, even if an underlying condition, such as celiac disease, prevents vitamin absorption.