Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a debilitating malignancy that is part of a spectrum of diseases ranging from monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance to plasma cell leukemia. Multiple myeloma is a cancer of your plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell present in your bone marrow - the soft, blood-producing tissue that fills in the center of most of your bones. The exact cause of multiple myeloma isn't known. Most blood cells develop from cells in the bone marrow called stem cells. Bone marrow is the soft material in the center of most bones. Stem cells mature into different types of blood cells. First is White blood cells help fight infection. There are several types of white blood cells and second is Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body. Plasma cells are white blood cells that make antibodies. Antibodies are part of the immune system. They work with other parts of the immune system to help protect the body from germs and other harmful substances. Each type of plasma cell makes a different antibody. Myeloma, like other cancers, begins in cells. Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them.When cells grow old, they die, and new cells take their place. In cancer, this orderly process goes wrong.
New cells form when the body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumorand Myeloma begins when a plasma cell becomes abnormal. The abnormal cell divides to make copies of itself. The new cells divide again and again, making more and more abnormal cells. The abnormal plasma cells are myeloma cells. Myeloma cells make antibodies called M proteins In this time myeloma cells collect in the bone marrow. They may crowd out normal blood cells. Myeloma cells also collect in the solid part of the bone. The disease is called "multiple myeloma" because it affects many bones.The disease is called multiple myeloma because myeloma cells can occur in multiple bone marrow sites in your body.
Causes of Multiple Myeloma
Common causes of Multiple Myeloma
- Abnormal plasma cell.
- Infection.
- Local catastrophes.
- Pathologic fractures.
- Spinal cord compression.
- Renal failure.
Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma
Common symptoms of Multiple Myeloma
- Bone pain.
- Often in the back or ribs Broken bones.
- Weakness or fatigue.
- Weight loss.
- Nausea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Mental confusion.
- Broken bones.
- Feeling weak.
Treatment of Multiple Myeloma
Common Treatment of Multiple Myeloma
- Treatment for multiple myeloma is focused on disease containment and suppression. Although allogeneic stem cell transplant might cure the cancer, it is considered investigational given the high treatment related mortality of the procedure.
- Drect treatment of the plasma cell proliferation, bisphosphonates are routinely administered to prevent fractures and erythropoietin to treat anemia.
- Initial therapy is aimed at treating symptoms and reducing the burden of disease.Commonly used induction regimens include dexamethasone with or without thalidomide.
- Treatment of myeloma usually involves anticancer drugs. This treatment is called systemic therapy because the drugs enter the bloodstream and can affect myeloma cells all over the body.
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill myeloma cells and to help control pain. People receive radiation therapy at a hospital or clinic
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