Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer affecting plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell that produce antibodies to help the body fight infections.
In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells grow uncontrollably in the bone marrow, forming tumors in the bone.
Common Symptoms:
We have blog topics delving into the various types of multiple myeloma - such as what they are, the symptoms, how they are treated, and advice for living with the condition. You can find them below.
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells, which are white blood cells in the bone marrow that produce antibodies to fight infection. In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and crowd out healthy blood cells. This can lead to anemia, infection, bone damage, and kidney dysfunction.
Symptoms of multiple myeloma can vary widely and may include bone pain (especially in the back or ribs), frequent infections, fatigue due to anemia, kidney problems, high calcium levels leading to excessive thirst and urination, and weakness or numbness in the legs. Some individuals may not experience symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
Multiple myeloma is diagnosed through a combination of laboratory tests, imaging studies, and bone marrow biopsy. Laboratory tests may include blood and urine tests to detect abnormal antibodies produced by myeloma cells. Imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, can identify bone damage. A bone marrow biopsy provides the most definitive diagnosis, showing the presence of myeloma cells in the bone marrow.
The exact cause of multiple myeloma is not known. It begins with a mutation in a single plasma cell in the bone marrow, causing the cell to multiply rapidly. Risk factors may include age (it is more common in people over 60), male gender, family history of the disease, obesity, and exposure to certain chemicals or radiation. However, many people diagnosed with multiple myeloma have no clear risk factors.
Treatment for multiple myeloma varies depending on the stage of the disease, symptoms, and the individual's overall health. Options may include targeted therapy, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, stem cell transplantation, and supportive treatments to manage symptoms and complications, such as bisphosphonates for bone loss. Emerging treatments, include immunotherapy and CAR T-cell therapy.