What Is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is cancer that affects certain white blood cells
called plasma cells. It represents about one percent of all cancers in
the United States. Approximately four to five out of every 100,000
people are diagnosed with it each year.
How Does Multiple Myeloma Develop?
The human body is made up of tiny building blocks called cells.
Normal cells grow and multiply when the body needs them, and die out
when the body does not need them.
Cancer is made up of abnormal cells that grow whether or not the
body needs them. Multiple myeloma is cancer that begins in the plasma
cells, a type of white blood cell. Plasma cells make proteins that
help the body fight disease. These cells are in the soft inner part of
our bones, called the bone marrow. Multiple myeloma starts when plasma
cells become abnormal. It's also known as myeloma or plasma cell myeloma.
Effects of Multiple Myeloma
Cancerous plasma cells are called myeloma cells. Myeloma cells crowd
normal bone marrow, so there is not enough room for the bone marrow to
make as many healthy cells. Several kinds of blood problems may result.
-
Low red blood cell count. This condition is called anemia.
We diagnose anemia through a blood test. Anemia can cause tiredness
as well as other problems.
-
Low white blood cell count. This condition is neutropenia. It
weakens the body's defenses against infection.
-
Low platelet count. This condition is called
thrombocytopenia. It may lead to bleeding. Although this cancer
starts in blood cells, it also affects the bones. Myeloma cells can
harm the bone structure. Bones may become weak and more likely to
break.
Multiple Myeloma and Hypercalcemia
Because they destroy bone, myeloma cells can cause the calcium
that’s stored in the bone to be released into the bloodstream. This
can lead to too much calcium in the blood, called hypercalcemia.
Hypercalcemia can harm the heart, nerves and kidneys. Signs of
hypercalcemia include:
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Frequent thirst
- Muscle weakness
Multiple Myeloma and Kidney Function
Myeloma can also affect the kidney. Myeloma cells make large amounts
of abnormal proteins called M-proteins. These M-proteins circulate in
the blood and can overwork the kidneys, so they cannot function properly.
Multiple Myeloma Symptoms
Symptoms of multiple myeloma include bone pain, weakness and weight
loss. Learn more about multiple
myeloma symptoms.
Multiple Myeloma Risk Factors
We don't know what causes multiple myeloma, but there are certain
risk factors that make you more likely to develop the disease. Risk
factors include family history, your age and a history of plasma cell
disease. Learn more about multiple
myeloma risk factors.
Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis
We may use a number of different tests to confirm a diagnosis of
multiple myeloma. These include X-ray, MRI and bone marrow aspiration
biopsy. Learn more about multiple
myeloma diagnosis.
Multiple Myeloma Treatment
Your specific treatment for multiple myeloma will depend on a number
of factors, including your age and the extent of the disease.
Treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery and stem cell
transplantation. Learn more about multiple
myeloma treatments.
Multiple Myeloma Staging
Staging the disease is the process of determining the extent of the
cancer. Learn more about multiple
myeloma staging.
Multiple Myeloma Support Group
Learn more about the Bay
Area Multiple Myeloma Support Group.