Hemochromatosis causes the body to absorb too much iron. The excess iron builds up in the blood, liver, heart, pancreas, joints, skin, and other organs.
Hemochromatosis most commonly is inherited, known as hereditary hemochromatosis. Requiring treatment throughout a person’s life, hereditary hemochromatosis is a pre-cancerous condition that requires cancer screening.
Hemochromatosis also may develop due to having too many blood transfusions, certain blood disorders, or chronic liver disease. This kind of hemochromatosis is called secondary or acquired hemochromatosis.
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