Q. What can I know about multiple myeloma?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells. It is a rare form of cancer, with only around 5 cases per 100,000 people diagnosed each year. The disease progresses slowly and the average survival time varies greatly depending on many factors including age, stage at diagnosis, response to treatment and overall health.
The cause of multiple myeloma remains unknown; however it is thought to be due to genetic mutations in plasma cells caused by long-term exposure to toxins or radiation. It may also be related to certain inherited conditions such as familial multiplex myeloma or primary amyloidosis.
Common symptoms include fatigue, bone pain (especially in the back or ribs), increased susceptibility to infection and easy bruising/bleeding due to anemia (low red blood cell count). Other non-specific signs can include weight loss, appetite loss and night sweats. Patients may also experience renal impairment due to high levels of paraprotein found in their urine which can lead to kidney stones or other urinary problems. In some cases there are no symptoms & people are only diagnosed after tests for unrelated problems reveal abnormal levels of calcium in their blood test results.
Diagnosis includes taking a medical history, reviewing family history & performing physical examinations such as blood tests (including full blood count & protein electrophoresis) & X-rays/MRI scans if necessary. If spinal involvement is suspected then morbidity should be assessed via Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan before starting chemotherapy/radiotherapy treatments as this helps ensure that vertebral compression fractures don’t occur during treatment which could worsen paralysis if already present from previous injuries/diseases). Treatment options vary depending on how advanced the disease has become but generally involve chemotherapy cocktails combined with stem cell transplants when possible plus dietary modifications such as avoiding processed foods & incorporating fresh fruits/vegetables into meals regularly ensuring adequate hydration throughout following your doctor's instructions carefully so they can monitor progress effectively over time!