Dr. Seema R Rao of Karunashraya explains palliative care, addresses the myths and misconceptions around it and highlights its importance for better quality of life of patients.
What is Palliative Care?
In India, more and more people are suffering from serious illnesses like cancer, heart diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, AIDS, stroke, organ failure, drug-resistant tuberculosis, and neurological diseases. Physical issues like pain, shortness of breath, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue,…
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Dr.Rajalakshmi Iyer, Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh cautions that Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) can significantly impair quality of life and reduce productivity if good sleep hygiene practices are not followed and medications not taken. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a type of sleep disorder. Could you tell us a little bit about it and who does it affect? RLS is a medical disorder that is much commoner than…
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…
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 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 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…
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…
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 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…
