A type of cancer that begins in plasma cells, multiple myeloma may also
be called Kahler disease, myelomatosis, and plasma cell myeloma. Plasma
cells are white blood cells that make antibodies. Antibodies are part
of the immune system that works with other parts of the immune system
to help protect the body from germs and other harmful substances.
Like other cancers, myeloma begins when a plasma cell becomes abnormal.
Over time myeloma cells collect in the bone marrow. They may damage the
solid part of the bone. When myeloma cells collect in several of your
bones, the disease is called multiple myeloma. Myeloma cells make antibodies
called M proteins and others proteins that can collect in the blood, urine,
and organs.
No one knows the exact cause of multiple myeloma, but research has shown
that certain risk factors increase the chance of developing the disease.
Some of these are age 65 and over, race, being a man, personal history
of monoclonal gammopathy of undertermined significance, and family history
of multiple myeloma. Symptoms associated with multiple myeloma include
bone pain, usually in the back and ribs, broken bones, usually in the
spine, feeling weak and very tired, feeling very thirsty, frequent infections
and fevers, weight loss, nausea or constipation, and frequent urination.
Multiple myeloma can sometimes be found after a routine blood test, but
it is suspected more often after an x-ray for a broken bone. To help evaluate
for multiple myeloma your doctor may ask you about your personal and family
medical history and do a physical exam. Additional tests may include blood
tests, urine tests, x-rays, and a biopsy to evaluate to see if there are
myeloma cells in your bone marrow. After the biopsy tissue from the biopsy
is sent to a pathologist to review under a microscope to determine if
the diagnosis is multiple myeloma. If diagnosis is confirmed that you
may need additional blood tests, CT scan, and MRI to determine the extent
or stage of the disease and best treatment plan.
With multiple myeloma there are many treatment options. These include watchful
waiting, chemotherapy, and stem cell transplant. If bone disease is involved
radiation therapy is also sometimes involved. The choice of treatment
depends on how advanced the disease is and symptoms that accompany it.
A treatment plan that is best for you will be decided upon by you and
your healthcare team.
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