Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in the white blood cell called the plasma cell. In this condition, the plasma cells multiply, produce abnormal protein, and accumulate in the bone marrow and blood. This forms tumors and adversely affects healthy cells. There’s no known cure for the disease, but suitable treatments can help a person to manage the symptoms effectively. This article lists some risk factors, signs, diagnoses, and treatment options for multiple myeloma.

What causes multiple myeloma?
While the exact cause of the disease is unknown, researchers have noted some risk factors. Those exposed to chemicals in pesticides, fertilizer, or radiation are at a higher risk of developing multiple myeloma. Similarly, those with a family history of the disease or other inflammatory conditions like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis are advised to be more careful. Studies also show that multiple myeloma affects men more than women, and people in the age group of 40 to 74 are at a greater risk.

Early signs of multiple myeloma
Bone and calcium problems
Two types of bone cells work in tandem to break down old bone and lay down new bone. Myeloma cells interfere with this process and speed up bone dissolution. This, in turn, raises calcium levels in one’s blood and makes the bones weak, brittle, and more prone to fractures.

Fatigue and nausea
A person with this condition may feel exhausted or nauseous without making any changes to one’s lifestyle. One may also feel confused or foggy.

Loss of appetite
One may lose appetite, feel unnaturally thirsty, have an upset stomach, and experience a drop in energy levels. One may also experience a sudden loss of body mass for no reason.

Weakened spinal cord
A person may experience a spinal cord fracture leading to the collapse of sections of the spinal cord.

Bruising and bleeding easily
The condition causes anemia, a shortage of red blood cells, and one’s platelet count may drop. This can make a person vulnerable to bleeding and bruising easily.

Weakness and fatigue
Cancerous cells consume a lot of energy and can leave one feeling weak and exhausted without making any changes in one’s lifestyle. A person may experience numbness and weakness in the arms and legs.

Fever and long recovery time from infection
The disease may lead to a shortage of normal white blood cells, which produce antibodies to fight infections. This may delay one’s recovery process. A person with multiple myeloma may also run an unexplainable fever.

Kidney damage
Myeloma cells produce abnormal levels of antibodies that build up in one’s body and damage the kidney or lead to kidney failure.

Diagnosis of multiple myeloma
Myeloma multiplies rapidly. As the disease worsens, the cancerous cells may spread to nearby organs and pose serious health risks. A healthcare professional usually begins with a physical examination and understanding of one’s medical history, both personal and family. Depending on the diagnosis, a doctor may run some tests to determine the cancer stage, tumor size, and location. Some of the tests may include the following:
Urine test to check the protein
Different blood tests to measure the level of certain antibodies, protein, creatine, and calcium in one’s blood
Imaging tests like CT or MRI to screen cancer, study bone and spinal damage, and other problems that can be looked at using images
Bone marrow biopsy to determine the level of normal and abnormal plasma cells

Treatment for multiple myeloma
Patients experiencing minor or no symptoms of multiple myeloma at an early stage may not require immediate treatment. Usually, a doctor puts the patient under observation and considers the disease severity, symptoms, and the patient’s age before suggesting a suitable treatment. These are some common multiple myeloma treatment options that can hamper the spread of cancer and improve one’s quality of life.

Chemotherapy: It is a common treatment to reduce abnormal plasma cells.
Immunotherapy: It stimulates one’s immune system so it can fight cancer cells.
Radiotherapy: It uses radiation to kill cancerous cells and reduce the size of the tumor.
Stem cell transplant: Also known as bone marrow transplant, it replaces damaged stem cells found in one’s bone marrow and blood with healthy ones.
Targeted therapy: It allows the doctor to focus on and block certain abnormalities present within cancer cells.

The life expectancy of multiple myeloma patients
With early diagnosis and treatment, some individuals with multiple myeloma may live for ten years or more. According to the Revised Multiple Myeloma International Staging System (R-ISS), the five-year survival rate for multiple myeloma sufferers is from 40 to 82 percent. The average statistics do not consider one’s age or other health factors. Those who suspect having developed the condition are advised to consult a healthcare professional immediately.