What is Myeloma?
Myeloma or multiple myeloma is a kind of cancer that affects the plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cells which are present in the bone marrow, bone marrow is responsible for producing blood and is found inside the bones of the body. Within the bone marrow, the plasma cells are responsible for producing antibodies, these help fight away infections and illnesses. In Multiple myeloma, the cancerous plasma cells start to grow uncontrollably and eventually over power the healthy plasma cells.
Who are at risk of developing Myeloma?
Few factors which can increment the risk for Myeloma are:
- Gender: Males are more prone to it than females.
- Age: 50 years and above people are susceptible for this kind of cancer.
- Radiation: Exposure to radiation might increase the risk.
- Industry: A link has been seen between being employed in the petroleum industry and developing myeloma.
What complications could arise out of Myeloma?
- Bone Issues: Myeloma can cause your bones to become weak and fragile and to break easily.
- Blood Problems: Being anemic, myeloma can cause anemia which in turn affects your heart and make you weak with pale skin.
- Infections: Since the plasma cells are responsible to fight off infections, crowding the healthy ones with cancerous ones will cause loss of immune system.
- Kidney Damage: Myeloma can cause a clog in the filtering of kidney and might even lead to kidney failure.
What are the stages of Myeloma?
- Stage 1: The cancerous cells are relatively low and there is a slight drop of hemoglobin. The bone imaging looks normal.
- Stage 2: The cancerous cells are in a moderate level and hemoglobin count is less than normal. X-rays can show areas of bone damage.
- Stage 3: The amounts of myeloma cells are quite high and hemoglobin count is lower than 8.5, and calcium levels are high. Multiple area of bone has been damaged.
How is Myeloma diagnosed?
Tests and procedures that can help detect myeloma include:
- Blood tests.
- Urine test.
- Bone marrow tests.
- X-Ray.
- MRI.
- CT Scan.
- PET Scan.
What is the treatment for Myeloma?
Based on the stage and spread of cancer, the treatment options include:
- Chemotherapy.
- Radiation Therapy.
- Targeted Therapy.
- Immunotherapy.
- Bone Marrow Transplant.
- Corticosteroids.
What are the types of Myeloma?
There are essentially two types of Myeloma:
- Indolent Myeloma: In this kind there are no evident symptoms, it develops gradually and does not form bone tumors. It only increases the count of M protein and M plasma cells.
- Solitary Plasmacytoma: This kind causes a bone tumor and needs constant monitoring.
What are the signs of Multiple myeloma?
Few signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma include:
- Pain in the bone like chest or spine.
- Constipation.
- Nausea.
- Infections.
- Appetite loss.
- Weakness.
- Thirst.
- Numbness of legs.
- Mental disarray.
- Confusion.