Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects a kind of white blood cell called a plasma cell. Under normal conditions, healthy plasma cells help your body fight infections by making proteins known as antibodies, which recognize and attack harmful germs. In multiple myeloma, plasma cells become cancerous and begin to build up inside the bone marrow the soft tissue found in the center of bones, where blood cells are made. These cancerous cells crowd out healthy blood cells and produce abnormal proteins that don’t function properly. This can lead to a variety of complications, including anemia, bone problems, and increased risk of infection.
Treatment
When is Treatment Needed?
Treatment for multiple myeloma isn’t always necessary right away. In cases where the cancer is growing slowly and not causing symptoms, doctors may recommend active surveillance or “watchful waiting.” However, if the disease becomes active or symptoms develop, several treatment options are available to help control its progression.
Who is Affected by Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma affects some groups more than others:
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop the disease than women.
- Race: It is about twice as common among Black individuals compared to other races.
- Age: Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 70, with the median age of diagnosis between 65 and 74.
Multiple Myeloma Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing multiple myeloma.
- Older age: The risk increases with age, especially in people in their late 60s.
- Male gender: Men are more commonly affected than women.
- Black race: Black individuals face a higher risk.
- Family history: Having a close relative (parent or sibling) with multiple myeloma raises your risk.
- MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance): This condition can develop into multiple myeloma over time.
Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma
Symptoms may vary, but bone pain especially in the back or ribs is often the first sign. Other symptoms can include:
- Weakness or numbness in the arms and legs, possibly due to spinal bone damage pressing on nerves.
- Fatigue and general weakness, often caused by anemia.
- Nausea and vomiting, which may signal high calcium levels (hypercalcemia).
- Increased thirst and loss of appetite, also linked to hypercalcemia.
- Unexplained weight loss or fever, which could be a sign of infection.
- Easy bruising or bleeding, possibly due to low platelet counts.
- Mental fogginess or confusion.