Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that characterizes the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells impacting the plasma cells. Plasma cells are lymphocytes or white blood cells that form the immune system of the body. Plasma cells also constitute the B cells and their primary role is to produce antibodies in the blood plasma called immunoglobulins, that mainly shield the body from different microbial invasion and their resulting infections.

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Multiple myeloma

In this rare form of blood cancer, the abnormal plasma cells get accumulated in the bone marrow and crowd out the healthy blood cells. Instead of making helpful antibodies, the malignant cells mainly produce abnormal proteins that raid the healthy tissues and lead to chronic complications within the body.

Causes

Like any other form of blood cancer, the primary cause of Multiple myeloma is yet unknown. But, certain medical pieces of evidence suggest that it usually arises when there are certain genomic alterations, in the plasma cells of the body. This modification of the DNA results in the rapid rate of growth and multiplication of the abnormal cells. These abnormal cells also termed monoclonal proteins increase in number and size and eventually crowd out the healthy plasma cells, giving rise to tumourous structures in the bone marrow and distinct expressions of Multiple myeloma.

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Risk Factors

Certain causative factors that aggravate the risk of getting detected with Multiple Myeloma include:

Age: People in the age group of 60 years or older are more prone to multiple myeloma

Gender: Multiple myeloma is more common in males than the female population

Genetic Factor: Individuals having a history of blood cancer in the family are more at risk of this type of blood cancer

Previous Cancer Therapy: People who have been subjected to previous cancer therapy like chemical or radiation therapy have a higher incidence of multiple myeloma

Unhealthy Addiction: People who are addicted to tobacco or alcohol have a higher risk of multiple myeloma

Carcinogens: Individuals who have been exposed to chemical carcinogenic compounds for a long time are more prone to developing this condition

Health Conditions: Individuals having a personal record of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), or those who are suffering from inflammatory diseases including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk of multiple myeloma

Obesity: Obese individuals are more prone to developing this type of cancer

Symptoms

The characteristic signs and symptoms of Multiple myeloma comprise:

  • Bone pain
  • Fever accompanied by chills
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • General debility
  • Recurrent infections
  • Constant fatigue
  • Bleeding or bruising frequently
  • Loss of hunger
  • Constipation
  • Mental fogginess
  • Unexplained weight reduction without trying
  • Excessive thirst
  • Swelling of lymph nodes
  • Night sweats
  • Excessive thirst
  • Numbness in the arms and legs

Diagnosis And Treatment

On recognizing the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, do consult an oncologist for further treatment. The specialized doctor usually does a thorough physical examination, acknowledges the patient’s past medical history and conducts the following diagnostics:

  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
  • Bone Marrow Test
  • Quantitative immunoglobulin test
  • Electrophoresis
  • Imaging tests like X-rays, CT-scan, MRI-scan and Ultrasounds
  • Lumbar Puncture/ spinal tap (testing cerebrospinal fluid)
  • Bone marrow biopsy

Treatment

The available treatment plan for Multiple myeloma usually depends on the size, location and stage of the tumour, and the health of the patient. It includes the following steps:

  • Prescription corticosteroid medications, pain medications and antibiotics
  • Targeted therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Bone marrow transplant
  • Radiation therapy
  • Clinical trials

Prevention:

The risk of Multiple myeloma can be significantly reduced to a huge extent by sticking to the following preventive measures:

  • Having a healthy well-balanced diet including fresh fruits, vegetables and fluids
  • Incorporation of regular exercise
  • Quitting tobacco
  • Limiting intake of alcohol
  • Maintaining a balanced weight