Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the blood's plasma cells. The abnormal cells congregate in the bone marrow, causing pain, anemia and a compromised immune function.http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/MultipleMyeloma/OverviewGuide/multiple-myeloma-overview-what-is-multiple-myeloma Myeloma is a cancer that starts in plasma cells, and is the most common type of plasma cell cancer. http://www.medicinenet.com/multiple_myeloma/article.htmAntibodies are made by plasma cells and are part of the immune system.
Myeloma is a plasma cell which has become abnormal. After becoming abnormal, the cell divides again and again, making multiple abnormal cells which form tumors. http://www.medicinenet.com/multiple_myeloma/article.htm
Multiple myeloma can affect your bones, immune system, kidneys and red blood cell count.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/multiple-myeloma/DS00415
Multiple Myeloma Symptoms
- Bone pain - Often the first symptom because of the effects on the bone marrow. Some have pain in the back or ribs but the pain can be in any bone. http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=7032
- Fatigue- Caused by anemia as myeloma cells replace oxygen-carrying red blood cells http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/multiple-myeloma/DS00415/DSECTION=symptoms
- Anemia- Healthy cells replaced by myeloma cells
- Recurrent infections due to lack of antibodieshttp://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=7032
- High level of calcium- Shows on blood tests and can occur when calcium from affected bones dissolves and enters the blood stream.
Possible Treatments
- Drug therapy
- Stem cell transplantation
- Local radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy - kills fast-growing abnormal cells, but can also harm normal cells
- Steroids: Used for anti-tumor effects and to possibly trigger the death of myeloma cells.
Cancer TV - About Multiple Myeloma
Cance TV presents a discussion on multiple myeloma defining what causes the bone cancer which attacks the bone marrow. Excessive plasma cells are produced as a part of multiple myeloma and can grow rapidly. the disease has symptoms which involve pain due to impact on the bones. When this cancer is caught at stage one life expectancy can be more than 5 years. Some multiple myeloma is not active and does not require immediate treatment.
Myeloma Risk Factors
The following are categories of individuals at higher risk for having multiple myeloma: http://www.medicinenet.com/multiple_myeloma/page2.htm
- Age over 65 - The majority of individuals with myeloma are over 65. There are few cases of this cancer among individuals under 35.
- Race - The risk for this disease is highest among African Americans and lowest among Asian Americans
- Gender - More males are diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
- Family history - Individuals with a family history of this cancer are at higher risk.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.
References
Fast Facts
-
Alternate names
Kahler disease, myelomatosis, plasma cell myeloma
-
Fact:
7 different types of the disease
-
Life expectancy
Three to five years
-
Fact:
More common in men than women
-
Age risk
Most common over 65
-
Fact:
Incidence higher in African Americans
