Malignant Anemia (Noun)
Meaning
A chronic progressive anemia of older adults; thought to result from a lack of intrinsic factor (a substance secreted by the stomach that is responsible for the absorption of vitamin B12).
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Pernicious anemia, also known as malignant anemia, is often diagnosed after years of low-grade symptoms that mimic normal aging.
- Malignant anemia occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the stomach that produce intrinsic factor.
- Older adults are more likely to experience severe neurological symptoms from malignant anemia due to its chronic progression.
- If left untreated, malignant anemia can lead to serious complications such as cognitive decline and neurological impairment.
- In the past, malignant anemia was indeed considered a malignant disease because of its high mortality rate if left untreated.