While iron-deficiency anemia is largely considered the most common type seen in people, it is prudent to note that there are quite a few rare ones. Here’s all you need to know about the top rare forms of anemia.

1. Hereditary Sideroblastic Anemia
This is one of the rare forms of anemia that occurs when a gene mutation comes in the way of regular and normal hemoglobin production. It is also to be noted that it is this gene “heme,” that produces that part of the hemoglobin that carries the oxygen to various parts of the body. Some of the symptoms include chest pain, headaches, trouble breathing, weakness, and fatigue.

2. Congenital Sideroblastic Anemia
Commonly referred to as CSA, in this rare form of anemia causes, the bone marrow fails to produce the required number of red blood cells (RBC) that are healthy. Instead, it ends up producing abnormal RBCs that are called sideroblasts. While these cells mature, they are replete with iron that accumulates in the mitochondria. These mitochondria, in turn, are now iron filled, surround the nucleus, and appear as a ring. Just because the iron is stuck in the mitochondria, the body fails to produce the required amount of hemoglobin. Eventually, there is a shortfall in the transportation of oxygen and this defect in RBC production also affects the balance of iron. CSA can be inherited or acquired and both have different treatment methods and prognoses.

3. Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia
Commonly referred to as CDA, this rare form of anemia is an inherited blood disorder that largely affects the development and functioning of RBCs. Three major types, i.e., I, II, and III have been identified. While the types have overlapping patterns in terms of signs and symptoms, the genetic causes between them are different.

4. Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
This rare type occurs when the body’s immune system starts to attack and destroy RBCs faster than the rate of its production. If the person has an autoimmune condition like lupus – they are more likely to develop this type of anemia. Pale skin, rapid heartbeat, chills, backache are some of the symptoms.

5. Megaloblastic Anemia
This is a rare form of anemia wherein the bone marrow produces RBCs that are abnormally structured; they could be either too large or too young. Since they are not matured or unhealthy, they cannot carry the required amount of oxygen throughout the body efficiently. It could also be caused due to deficiency or lack of Vitamin B12 or B19. It is also to be noted that many people may not show symptoms for many years, but when the symptoms do appear, they often resemble other forms of anemia. They are dizziness, weakness, muscle pain, and trouble breathing, to name a few.

6. Fanconi Anemia
This type of anemia makes the blood marrow produce too few blood cells. It is largely hereditary and is based on gene mutation. Some of the symptoms include the susceptibility to injure easily, severe bleeding when injured, abnormal-looking thumbs, problems of the heart, kidneys, bone, small body, head, and eyes.