Multiple myeloma is a rare but chronic cancer that develops in plasma cells. People usually receive their diagnosis in their late 60s.
Most patients already have anaemia at diagnosis. The health effects of this cancer are substantial. The myeloma disease takes a heavy toll on bone health, with the majority of patients experiencing bone damage or loss. These facts underscore why spotting symptoms early and getting a quick diagnosis are vital to managing this condition effectively.
Multiple myeloma disease develops when plasma cells become cancerous. These cancerous cells multiply faster and crowd out healthy blood-forming cells. The cancerous cells also create abnormal antibodies called M proteins. M proteins can damage organs instead of fighting infections like normal antibodies.
Several types exist based on the abnormal proteins produced:
Early symptoms may include:
Patients in the final stages might experience:
High calcium levels can cause severe complications. Patients might feel very thirsty, get constipated, and could fall into a coma without treatment.
Scientists haven't identified the exact cause. Multiple myeloma typically develops from a pre-malignant condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).
Factors increasing risk include:
Key complications involve:
Early detection of multiple myeloma helps doctors provide better care. You should talk to your doctor right away if you experience symptoms that don't go away.
Doctors confirm multiple myeloma through several tests:
Requires immediate treatment once diagnosed. Treatment options become available as needed:
You need immediate medical care if you experience:
No prevention method guarantees success, but you can reduce your risk by:
Regular check-ups matter most, especially if you have MGUS. Quick intervention could stop it from becoming multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma brings many challenges to patients' lives, but medical breakthroughs keep improving their outcomes. This blood cancer needs quick attention because early detection can boost treatment success rates. The disease often shows up through bone pain, fatigue, and recurring infections. These warning signs are vital to spot, especially if you have a higher risk.
Your age plays a key role in developing this condition, particularly after 65. A family history of the disease also raises red flags. People with these risk factors should get regular medical check-ups.
Medical teams now have powerful tools to curb multiple myeloma. Targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplants give patients new hope. CAR-T cell therapy offers a major breakthrough to combat this illness.
Every patient needs treatment right away. No one can completely prevent multiple myeloma, but healthy choices might lower your risk. A good weight, an active lifestyle and a nutritious diet support your overall health. Your best defence against this tough condition is to listen to your body and get medical help when symptoms persist.
Multiple myeloma might not show any symptoms at first. Early signs typically include:
Symptoms usually develop slowly. Most people seek medical help because of bone pain.
Symptoms get worse as multiple myeloma progresses. Patients in the final stages might experience:
Yes, multiple myeloma is a serious blood cancer that affects plasma cells and needs quick medical attention. The disease damages bones and organs if left untreated. We have a long way to go, but we can build on this progress in treatment options. Most patients can control the disease for long periods with treatment, though there's no known cure yet.
Doctors usually find multiple myeloma through:
Regular blood work sometimes reveals the disease before symptoms appear. A multiple myeloma diagnosis requires at least 10% plasma cells in bone marrow plus signs of organ damage.