Multiple Myeloma is the type of bone marrow cancer that grows in the bone marrow plasma cells. The cancerous plasma cell is thus called a myeloma cell. This cancer type forms as multiple patches in the bone marrow.
The month of March is known for its awareness of Multiple Myeloma. It is indicated by a burgundy coloured ribbon.
Medication Information for treating Multiple Myeloma
This cancer replaces the healthy blood cells in the bone marrow with abnormal cancerous cells thus leaving you open to infections, bleedings and bruises.
These abnormal cancer cells can also increase the speed of osteoclasts or breaking down of the bone and decrease the speed of osteoblasts or formation of bone. This leads to damages to the bones that can cause extreme pains and fractures.
The effect of the cancer is most common in the spine, hips, shoulders, pelvis, rib cage and skull.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of multiple myeloma may develop over time and may not even show in its early stages.
• Increased thirst
• Nausea
• Shortness of Breath
• Pain in the bone, especially in the back and/or ribs
• Weakness
• Recurring fever and/or infections
• Losing weight
• Constipation
Patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma may develop certain conditions such as:
Kidney Problems:
The dissolved bone tissues can cause build up of abnormal antibiotic proteins or high calcium levels in the blood that can lead to kidney problems.
Spinal Cord Suppression:
Multiple Myeloma may cause weakening or even collapse of the bone structure like the vertebrae that leads to spinal cord suppression. It is important to stay vigilante of signs such as numbness, pain or a tingling feeling on the spinal cord and seek immediate medical attention to avoid the possibility of paralysis.
Hypercalcemia:
Hypercalcemia can be described as a high quantity of calcium in the blood caused by the rapidly dissolving bone tissue. This condition can lead to dizziness, confusion, dehydration, nausea, increased thirst and/or urination.
Low levels of blood cells:
Inside the bone marrow, the spread of cancerous cells leads to them replacing the normal cells. This can lead to low levels of white blood cells or leukopenia, red blood cells or anemia and platelets or thrombocytopenia.
Who is at risk for developing multiple myeloma?
Several factors can cause a person to be more likely to be diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Some factors can have a higher impact on getting multiple myeloma like:
Medical History:
A person's medical history such as solitary plasmacytoma of the bone can increase the chances of this cancer to occur.
Gender:
Statistically, multiple myeloma is more common in men than in women.
Race:
Statistically, black people are twice as likely to being diagnosed with multiple myeloma than white people. This cancer is also common in people from the Middle East, Mediterranean and Northern part of Africa.
Radiation or Chemical exposure:
People who are exposed to radiation or to chemicals in factories and other dangerous settings are more likely to develop multiple myeloma.
Age Factor:
Older people over the age of 60 are more likely to be diagnosed with multiple myeloma. According to research, nearly 2% of patients with multiple myeloma were younger than 40 years.
Multiple myeloma is the second most common form of blood cancer. In the previous year of 2018, around 31,000 cases of multiple myeloma were diagnosed in the US.
FAQs
• Is multiple myeloma a hereditary condition?
• Is there a diet that I should follow as part of the treatment?
• How is this cancer diagnosed?
• Should physical activities be avoided during the treatment?
Is multiple myeloma a hereditary condition?
The immediate family (brother, sister, father, mother, son or daughter) of a person with multiple myeloma have a higher likelihood of developing multiple myeloma as well.
If your immediate family member has been diagnosed with this cancer, mention this to your doctor so as to get it into your medical records. Doctors are more likely to notice the early signs and symptoms of this cancer type if any.
Is there a diet that I should follow as part of the treatment?
It is recommended to eat organic foods. A mixed diet of fruits and vegetables can also be adopted.
Avoid consumption of processed food and sugar.
How is this cancer diagnosed?
An oncologist should be consulted to get the most accurate diagnosis for multiple myeloma. The oncologists would take into account various factors such as exposure to radiation or harmful chemicals, medical history, symptoms and family history to correctly diagnose the cancer and its stage.
You may also be required to undertake various medical tests by your oncologists.
Should I avoid physical activities during the treatment?
Planned activities, proper mobility and physical assessments are essential for long term survival of patients with multiple myeloma. Due to the risk of injury due to possible weakened bones, patients should have proper assistance to monitor their day-to-day progress and symptoms.
You may even be required to get a physical therapist to monitor your physical condition.
Before beginning any physical activities, the patient's overall fitness and risks during that particular activity would be considered as well.
