A bone marrow-based plasma cell neoplasm characterized by a serum monoclonal protein and skeletal destruction with osteolytic lesions, pathological fractures, bone pain, hypercalcemia, and anemia. Clinical variants include non-secretory myeloma, smoldering myeloma, indolent myeloma, and plasma cell leukemia. (WHO, 2001)
Symptoms of Myeloma
The following features are indicative of Myeloma:
bone pain
broken bone
weakness
fatigue
weight loss
frequent infections
frequent urination
excessive thirst
anemia
kidney failure
nausea
constipation
loss of appetite
numbness in legs
confusion
shortness of breath
abnormal bleeding
It is possible that Myeloma shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.
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Common Causes of Myeloma
The following are the most common causes of Myeloma:
abnormal plasma cell in bone marrow
abnormal antibodies
past treatment with radiation therapy
Risk Factors for Myeloma
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Myeloma:
increasing age
being male
black race
history of a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
obesity
alcohol
Prevention of Myeloma
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Myeloma. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
by maintaining a normal body weight
Occurrence of Myeloma
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Myeloma cases seen each year worldwide:
Not common between 50K - 500K cases
Common Age Group
Myeloma can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Myeloma can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Myeloma
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Myeloma:
Blood tests: To detect abnormal protein produced by myeloma cells and to examine kidney function, blood cell counts, calcium levels and uric acid levels
Urine tests: To detect bence jones proteins in urine
Bone marrow examination: To examine myeloma cells
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) test: To understand chromosomal abnormalities of myeloma cells
Imaging tests: To detect bone problems associated with multiple myeloma
Doctor for Diagnosis of Myeloma
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Myeloma:
Hematologist
Oncologist
Complications of Myeloma if untreated
Yes, Myeloma causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Myeloma is left untreated:
frequent infections
bone problems
reduced kidney function
low red blood cell count (anemia)
Procedures for Treatment of Myeloma
The following procedures are used to treat Myeloma:
Targeted therapy: To treat specific abnormalities within cancer cells
Biological therapy: To fight against myeloma cells
Chemotherapy: To kill fast-growing cells, including myeloma cells
Stem cell transplantation: To replace diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow
Radiation therapy: To damage myeloma cells and stop their growth
Self-care for Myeloma
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Myeloma:
Keep yourself relaxed: Helps combating the stress and fatigue of cancer
Eat healthy diet: Eating well helps combating the stress and fatigue of cancer
Take rest: Helps combating the stress and fatigue of cancer
Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Myeloma
The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Myeloma:
Acupuncture: Helps to cope up with the side effects of myeloma and myeloma treatment
Aromatherapy: Helps reducing stress
Massage therapy: Helps reducing stress and anxiety
Meditation: Helps relaxing mind
Patient Support for Treatment of Myeloma
The following actions may help Myeloma patients:
Friends and family support: Sharing helps to cope up with issues and anxieties that might occur after treatment
Formal support group: Talking to other patients with similar problems helps reducing stress
Time for Treatment of Myeloma
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Myeloma to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
Disease cannot be treated but only maintained or effects reduced
