Multiple Myeloma: The Basics
Multiple myeloma (also called myeloma) is a cancer that affects the plasma cells, which are found in the blood. In myeloma, the plasma cells grow out of control and overcrowd the bone marrow where blood cells are made. This prevents the normal production of other blood cells and keeps the immune system from working well.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing multiple myeloma include:
- Extensive exposure to radiation, chemical resins, organic solvents, pesticides, or herbicides.
- A family history of myeloma.
Screening
There are no routine screening tests to find myeloma.
Signs of Multiple Myeloma
Sings and symptoms of multiple myeloma include:
- Bone pain and bone damage.
- High calcium level in the blood, which causes increased urination and thirst, kidney stones, decreased appetite, restlessness, and confusion.
- Abnormal blood counts and increased blood thickness (detected with blood tests).
- Infections that don’t go away.
- Plasmacytoma, which is a buildup of myeloma cells, forming a mass, that can occur in the skin, bones, and brain.
- Kidney failure.
These can also be signs of other health issues. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your healthcare provider.
Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma
When your healthcare provider suspects multiple myeloma, they will order further tests which may include: a series of blood tests, a 24-hour urine collection, bone marrow biopsy, and radiology tests, including a skeletal survey, X-rays, MRI, CT scan, and PET scan.
Staging Multiple Myeloma
Staging is a way to describe how much the myeloma has affected the body and to help guide treatment. The staging system used in myeloma is The Revised International Staging System R-ISS.
The R-ISS divides multiple myeloma into three stages based on serum beta-2 microglobulin, serum albumin levels, and chromosomal (genetic) abnormalities.
Treatment
Treatments depend on how the disease is affecting the body, the patient’s age, and current health. Common treatments include:
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can be used at diagnosis, in high doses to prepare for a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, as maintenance after transplant, and to treat relapse.
- Stem Cell Transplant: For patients younger than 65, and in good health, a stem cell transplant is a typical treatment option.
- Targeted Therapy: These medications can be used with chemotherapy to treat patients over the age of 65 or who have other medical problems.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation can be used to treat a plasmacytoma (a mass of myeloma cells) or areas of bone damage.
This article is a basic guide to multiple myeloma. You can learn more about multiple myeloma and treatment by using the links below.