Overview of Multiple Myeloma

  • Illustration showing a cells in the marrow, a bone, a female doctor and medical charts and text above Multiple Myeloma
    Multiple Myeloma
    Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that forms in a plasma cell, a type of white blood cell. It is considered a rare cancer. Worldwide, an estimated 176,404 people were diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2020. There were about 12,000 cases in India in 2020. Multiple myeloma is treatable and survival rates are better, especially if the disease is diagnosed early and treated. 
Submitted by Dr S. Patel on 31 July 2023
Overview of Multiple Myeloma

Overview

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is also called Kahler’s disease. It is a cancer of the plasma cells. Plasma cells are normally found in the bone marrow and play an important part in our immune system. They  are responsible for producing antibodies called immunoglobulins which attack and kill germs.  When plasma cells become cancerous and divide rapidly, it is called Multiple Myeloma. Cancerours plsma cells make an abnormal protein called monoclonal immunoglobulin or M-protein/spike or paraprotein. In urine, they are called Bence Jones proteins. These proteins do not fight against germs and infections.

This abnormal protein is also produced in other Plasma cell Disorders, which may put you at a higher risk of Multiple Myeloma in the future.

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Multiple Myeloma

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  • Types and Stages of Multiple Myeloma
    Types and Stages of Multiple Myeloma
    Types There are two main types of Multiple Myeloma, Smoldering and Active. Smoldering is also called asymptomatic or indolent myeloma because it shows no symptoms and signs and is slow growing. People need close monitoring every 3-6 months to check for progression. Active is also called symptomatic myeloma due to the presence of signs and symptoms. If it is present in the bone or soft tissue, it is termed plasmacytoma. Several subtypes are identified based on which specific type of…
  • Multiple Myeloma Tests and Diagnosis
    Multiple Myeloma Test and Diagnosis
    Tests for Diagnosing Multiple Myeloma Multiple myeloma is often diagnosed based on tests, the patient’s symptoms and the doctor’s physical exam of the patient. A diagnosis of multiple myeloma requires either: A plasma cell tumor (proven by biopsy) OR at least 10% plasma cells in the bone marrow AND At least one of the following CRAB criteria: High blood Calcium level (greater than 0.25 mmol/L) Poor Renal function with creatinine greater than 2mg/dL Anemia with red blood cell counts lower…
  • Prevention of Multiple Myeloma
    Prevention of Multiple Myeloma
    Prevention of Multiple Myeloma Since the exact cause and risk factors of this cancer are unknown, there is no known way to prevent it. It is important to not ignore symptoms mentioned here and diagnose multiple myeloma early.      References: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/multiple-myeloma https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/multiple-myeloma.html https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/multiple-myeloma/types lbagoush SA, Shumway C, Azevedo AM. Multiple Myeloma. [Updated…
  • Management of Multiple Myeloma
    Management of Multiple Myeloma
    Management of Multiple Myeloma Supportive therapy is used for better management of complications, side-effects and other other issues related to cancer. For Multiple Myeloma, this can include: Controlling nausea and vomiting with medications. Bisphosphonates or bone-strengthening drugs to slow down bone damage. Medications like monoclonal antibodies (denosumab) to prevent osteoporosis, and risk of fractures. Hematopoietic growth factors or colony-stimulating factors to increase production of…
  • Multiple Myeloma Treatment
    Multiple Myeloma Treatment
    Treatment of Multiple Myeloma Treatment of Multiple Myeloma depends on the type of disease.  For those with smoldering or symptomless disease, the watch and wait approach is used. This means monitoring is periodically done. For active myeloma, the treatment is phased out in 3 stages: Induction therapy is the 1st phase where the aim is to reduce the plasma cell  and M-protein count. This can be done by chemo, targeted  therapy and use of corticosteroids over a course of 3-6…
  • Multiple Myeloma Signs and Symptoms
    Multiple Myeloma Signs and Symptoms
    Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma Multiple Myeloma is often symptomless in the early stages and difficult to diagnose. Symptoms  may appear gradually as the underlying issues develop. Symptoms are usually multifactorial. Fatigue and reduced activity levels due to anemia (low blood count or poor kidney functioning. Shortness of breath due to anemia and exertion. Bone pain or fractures as the bone density has decreased. Pain is experience in the middle or lower back, ribs or hip area. Numbness…
  • Causes of Multiple Myeloma and Risk Factors
    Causes of Multiple Myeloma and Risk Factors
    Causes The exact cause of multiple myeloma remains unknown. Genetic research shows that mutations in some oncogenes may be responsible for multiple myeloma.  Certain factors that may put you at a higher risk include: Age above 65 years Men more than women Family History Obesity Previous exposure to Radiation therapy Exposure to Environmental agents such as insecticides, organic solvents, and agent orange. Other Plasma cell Disorders. These include precancerous conditions like Monoclonal…
  • Overview of Multiple Myeloma
    Overview of Multiple Myeloma
    Overview Multiple Myeloma (MM) is also called Kahler’s disease. It is a cancer of the plasma cells. Plasma cells are normally found in the bone marrow and play an important part in our immune system. They  are responsible for producing antibodies called immunoglobulins which attack and kill germs.  When plasma cells become cancerous and divide rapidly, it is called Multiple Myeloma. Cancerours plsma cells make an abnormal protein called monoclonal immunoglobulin or M-protein/spike or…
  • Picture of a man with multiple myeloma and the text alongside: Hardest part is to come out of denial mode
    मल्टीपल मायलोमा के निदान के बाद मैंने हर पल को सँजोना सीखा
    कोलकाता के 56 वर्षीय रजत सुभ्रा बिस्वास को मल्टीपल मायलोमा का निदान मिला था और उनकी बीएमटी (बोन मैरो ट्रांसप्लांट) सर्जरी भी हुई है। इस लेख में वे अपनी मल्टीपल मायलोमा की यात्रा के बारे में बात करते हैं। मुझे सितंबर 2018 में मल्टीपल मायलोमा का निदान मिला था। मैं वर्तमान में रेमिशन में हूँ। शुरुआती लक्षण क्या थे? मैं धीरे-धीरे गुर्दे के कार्य में कमी का अनुभव कर रहा था, मूत्र में प्रोटीन के रिसाव में वृद्धि के साथ-साथ मेरा क्रिएटिनिन स्तर लगातार बढ़ रहा था। इसके अलावा, मुझे अत्यधिक थकान और त्वचा…
  • Multiple Myeloma RSB India
    Cherishing Every Moment After A Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis
    Rajat Subhra Biswas, 56 years old from Kolkata has lived with multiple myeloma and has even gone through a BMT surgery. He talks about his journey. I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in September 2018. I am currently in remission. What were the early symptoms? I was experiencing gradual loss of renal function, my creatinine level was steadily increasing alongwith increased leakage of protein in urine. Further, I was experiencing extreme fatigue and regular pigmentation on the skin especially…

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