Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that is very different from other forms. In patients with multiple myeloma, there is no specific mass or tumor. Multiple myeloma is the cancer of the plasma cells. Healthy cells are infected by cancerous cells that attack the body instead of helping it fight off diseases and illnesses.

Multiple myeloma can be very dangerous because it hurts our ability to fight off diseases. Cancerous cells in the bone marrow overproduce in people with multiple myeloma. In other words, if you have multiple myeloma, there is no antibody production.

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Causes of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is still not understood by a lot of scientists. This condition is considered rare, with less than 200,000 cases each year. Since this is the case, there is not a lot of information out about multiple myeloma. This includes research into the various causes. There are no exact causes, but some sources indicate that it may be hereditary.

Cancer cells in multiple myeloma don’t die like regular cells. They continue to grow on each other, creating masses in the plasma cells. There are, however, risk factors that may make it easier to develop multiple myeloma later on.

Risk Factors of Multiple Myeloma

There are a few known risk factors like age, sex, and prior diagnosis. For example, the median age of people with multiple myeloma is the mid-60s and up. It is very rare to see an adolescent or young adult with multiple myeloma. The reason for this is not understood yet.

Men are also a lot more likely to develop multiple myeloma as they age when compared to women. People who have been diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) are also very likely to develop multiple myeloma. The majority of cases of multiple myeloma start off with MGUS.

Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

Many of the symptoms related to multiple myeloma are pains in the bones, joints, and muscles. Although everybody has different reactions to this condition, the most common symptoms are:

• Bone pain in the spine
• Stabbing and dull pain
• Nausea
• Extreme weight loss
• Weakness in legs
• Constipation

If you or a loved one has any of these symptoms, you should consult with your doctor immediately. Although multiple myeloma does not cause immediate death, it can result in further complications as it develops.

Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma

To get a proper diagnosis of multiple myeloma, you do need to consult your doctor. Your doctor will go through your medical history and recent symptoms. Although it is more common for doctors to ask questions, it is possible they will ask to run tests.

The most common test to diagnose multiple myeloma in patients is a blood test. Blood tests are able to detect the M proteins produced by MGUS. This is important because many people first start developing MGUS and then multiple myeloma. For patients that struggle to get a blood test, there are also urine tests that look for M proteins.

However, the only true way to know is to take a myeloma cell exam. In this test, the doctor extracts a sample of bone marrow from your body. They then look for the myeloma cells responsible for cancer.

There are also three specific stages. Although there are three stages, it is very rare for someone to get diagnosed in stage one as symptoms are almost nonexistent. The stages are as follows:

• Stage 1: Less Aggressive
• Stage 2: Moderately Aggressive
• Stage 3: Highly Aggressive

Treatment of Multiple Myeloma

There is not a lot to be done when somebody is diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Since the research is very new, there is still an ongoing debate over treatments. However, this condition is slow-moving and it develops over time.

Treatment is not necessary until the symptoms are worse. In other words, you may be diagnosed with multiple myeloma in stage 1 and yet not receive treatment until you are in stage 2 or 3.

There are three main types of treatment:

• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy is where the specific cancer cells are targeted. Only the cancer cells are killed during this therapy. However, it does cause symptoms like exhaustion and weight loss.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is another treatment and is one of the most interesting ones. Instead of killing off the cancer cells through treatment, immunotherapy boosts your immune system which helps to fight off the cancer cells. The treatment, however, is not the most common or popular as the results are low for killing cancer cells. It is not a good therapy for people with underlying conditions that cause autoimmune diseases.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is another common solution to multiple myeloma. Radiation therapy works by blasting radiation at one specific spot where the cancerous cells lie. This treatment does come with a lot of side effects though including rapid weight loss, mood swings, and fatigue.

Management of Multiple Myeloma

Managing multiple myeloma is not impossible. Since this condition worsens and develops slowly over time, it is possible for patients to become used to and understand their condition. For example, you can manage the pain and symptoms with over-the-counter pain medications and natural treatments.

There is also therapy and psychological support as well since it is a hard condition that hinders your mental health. When going through this condition, it is important to surround yourself with a strong support system. It is easier to fight off this cancer if you are surrounded by loved ones.

Conclusions on Multiple Myeloma

Overall, multiple myeloma is cancer, unlike any other type. Although there is not a mass or growth, this form of cancer affects a person’s cells in their bone marrow. When a person produces too many cells that don’t die naturally, it causes many problems — including pain in their bodies and the loss of movement over time.

You cannot treat this condition alone. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, talk to your medical professional for a diagnosis. If it is caught early, your chances of beating the cancer are high. However, if it is still in stage 1, there may be no treatment available yet.

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FAQ

1. How do people get Myelomas? The most common causes of Myelomas are are extreme exposure to chemicals. Anything that interferes with the immune system could lead to myelomas.
2. Are Myelomas Terminal? Unfortunately, Myelomas are currently an untreatable form of trauma. They are treatable but not curable.

Healthier Me Today is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment, always consult with your healthcare professional. Stay healthy!