Multiple Myeloma

Multiple Myeloma, or also called plasma-cell myeloma, is a kind of cancer that begins in plasma cells and affects the bones. Plasma cell is a type of white blood cell which contributes to your immune system. Immune system is important to keep us protected from bacteria, germs, and virus which may cause infections and other diseases. In patients with multiple myeloma, the myeloma cells accumulate in bone marrows and solid parts. The cause of multiple myeloma is not yet known. However, studies have found that the condition often attacks older people and African-Americans. The treatment process can take long time with no guarantee of total recovery. But treatment can help to control further symptoms and possible complications of multiple myeloma. Patients are usually treated by chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplantation, depends on the severance and condition.

Symptoms of multiple myeloma include bone pains in the areas of spine, and back or ribs, broken bones, fatigue, bleeding, energy loss, infections, spinal cord compression, and weight loss. Patients with multiple myeloma are also prone to other complications. To catch the symptoms earlier, patients should know the information about the symptoms and risk factors. The most popular symptom in multiple myeloma is pathologic fractures and bone lesions, which account for over 90% of patients. Bone pain attacks around 70% of all patients, usually at the lumbar spine. Other symptoms such as spinal cord compression and bleeding are less likely to occur. Both symptoms account for around 20% of all cases. Besides, multiple myeloma symptoms may also appear in the form of anemia, neurologic symptoms, hypercalcemia, and purpura.

You should also be aware of risk factors that contribute to multiple myeloma. There are genetic, environment, record of MGUS, race, gender, radiation, and age. Those who are over 65, African Americans, man, have history of MGUS, have the disease in the family, prone to radiation from any source, and work in the agriculture, food, and petrochemical industries, and have higher risks of contracting multiple myeloma. The risk factors have been studied in many different conditions to conclude. Even though there are no clarified causes of multiple myeloma till date, they are found to have a relationship with the disease. Some factors such as age and race may not be as strong as record of MGUS, genetic, and radiation, but be cautious if you have one or more of the risk factors. Knowing the symptoms earlier is also important to get you to take immediate action when needed.