Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Plasma cells are part of the immune system and help fight infection by producing antibodies. In multiple myeloma, these plasma cells become cancerous and crowd out healthy blood cells. This can lead to a number of complications, including:
- Bone pain
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Kidney problems
- Increased risk of infection
Causes Of Multiple Myeloma cancer
The exact cause of multiple myeloma is unknown, but certain factors are believed to increase the risk:
- Age: Most cases are diagnosed in people over 65.
- Race: Black people have a higher risk than other races.
- Gender: Men are slightly more likely to develop multiple myeloma than women.
- Family history: Having a close relative with the disease increases your risk.
- Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS): This is a precancerous condition where abnormal proteins are produced, but not in amounts high enough for myeloma diagnosis. MGUS often precedes multiple myeloma.
Signs And Symptoms Of Multiple Myeloma cancer
Multiple myeloma can cause a variety of symptoms, some of which may not appear until the disease progresses. Here are some common symptoms:
- Bone pain: This is the most frequent symptom, often occurring in the back, ribs, and hips due to bone damage caused by the cancerous cells.
- Fatigue: This can be severe and persistent due to anemia (low red blood cell count) caused by myeloma.
- Weakness: Muscle weakness can occur due to bone damage and anemia.
- Frequent infections: Myeloma can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss: These can occur due to various factors, including fatigue and abnormal protein production.
- Nausea and constipation: These can be caused by hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels) associated with myeloma.
- Confusion: High calcium levels or kidney problems can affect brain function, leading to confusion.
- Bleeding problems: Myeloma can interfere with blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Treatment Of Multiple Myeloma cancer
There is currently no cure for multiple myeloma. However, various treatment options can help control the cancer, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life. These options include:
- Medications: Several medications are used, including drugs that target the cancerous plasma cells, immunomodulatory drugs that boost the immune system, and bisphosphonates to strengthen bones.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells and may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
- Radiation therapy: This can be used to target specific areas of bone affected by myeloma.
- Stem cell transplantation: This is a more intensive treatment involving harvesting healthy stem cells and reintroducing them into the body after high-dose chemotherapy.
Additional Points:
- Early diagnosis is crucial for better treatment outcomes. If you experience any persistent symptoms, consult a doctor for prompt evaluation.
- Multiple myeloma research is ongoing, with new treatment options emerging.
- Support groups can be a valuable resource for patients and their families.
Here are some resources for further information:
- National Cancer Institute: [National Cancer Institute Multiple Myeloma ON National Cancer Institute (.gov) cancer.gov]
- Mayo Clinic: [mayoclinic multiple myeloma ON Mayo Clinic mayoclinic.org]
- Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation: [the multiple myeloma research foundation ON The MMRF myeloma.org]
