Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by

• Multiple Myeloma

• Myeloma

• Plasma Cell Myeloma

 

What is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that starts in plasma cells, which are a kind of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Plasma cells help the body fight infections by making antibodies. In multiple myeloma, some plasma cells become cancerous and grow too much. This leads to problems in the body.

 

When these cancerous plasma cells grow, they can cause several issues:

• Bone Problems: The cancer can weaken bones, leading to pain and fractures (broken bones).

• Low Blood Counts: Healthy blood cells can be crowded out, causing anemia (not enough red blood cells), which makes you feel tired. It can also lower white blood cells, which makes it easier to get infections.

• Kidney Issues: The cancer can damage the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure.

• High Calcium Levels: When bones break down, they release calcium into the blood, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and confusion.

 

Common symptoms of multiple myeloma include:

• Bone pain

• Fatigue (feeling very tired)

• Frequent infections

• Weight loss

• Weakness

Because these symptoms can be similar to other illnesses, it can be hard to diagnose multiple myeloma early.

 

How is it Diagnosed?

• Blood Tests: To check for abnormal proteins and see how well the kidneys work.

• Urine Tests: To find special proteins that cancer cells make.

• Bone Marrow Biopsy: A doctor takes a small sample of bone marrow to look for cancer cells.

• Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs help to see if there is any damage to the bones.

 

How is it Treated?

Several treatment options include:

• Chemotherapy: Uses strong medicines to kill cancer cells.

• Targeted Therapy: Uses drugs that specifically attack cancer cells.

• Immunotherapy: Helps the body’s immune system fight the cancer.

• Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells in specific areas.

• Stem Cell Transplant: Replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy cells.

• Supportive Care: Treats symptoms and side effects, like medications for pain or low blood counts.

 

Trend

•  Approximately 150,000 to 175,000 people have had it in the last five years.

• The number of new cases is expected to increase slightly because more people are getting older.

 

History

Multiple myeloma was first recognized in the mid-1800s. Doctors noticed that it caused bone pain and fractures. As time went on, better tests and treatments were developed.

 

In the 20th century, researchers learned more about how to diagnose and treat multiple myeloma.

 

Today, many different treatment options exist, including chemotherapy and stem cell transplants, which help many patients live longer, healthier lives. Research continues to find new ways to treat multiple myeloma effectively.

 

Source of Information

• American Academy of Family Physicians

• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

• Mayo Clinic

• Penn Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center

 

For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.