Multiple myeloma is cancer that develops in the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. The plasma cells are found in the bone marrow that is part of the immune system which fights off infections and other diseases. When the plasma cells become cancerous, it produces a tumor known as a plasmacytoma. The single plasma cell tumor is known as isolated plasmacytoma but when more than one plasmacytoma occurs, it is known as multiple myeloma.
Causes
The exact cause of multiple myeloma is not known but develops because of an abnormal cell that multiplies rapidly. The cancer cells continue to grow out of control in the bone marrow crowding out the healthy cells. As the result, the cancer cells produce proteins that can cause kidney problems, fatigue and the inability to fight off infections.
Symptoms
The symptoms of this condition can vary among the affected cases. In the initial stage of the disease, there may not be any visible symptoms. The most common types of symptoms associated with multiple myeloma include fatigue, bone pain or fractures, decreased or increased urination, increased thirst, impaired kidney function, loss of appetite, confusion, nausea, vomiting and confusion. Low blood counts can occur when the overgrowth of plasma cells in the bone marrow crowd out the healthy cells. As the result, anemia can occur which develops with the shortage of red blood cells. The affected individuals can also have a low level of platelets increasing the risk of bleeding and bruising. A condition called leukopenia can develop from the shortage of white blood cells presenting problems with effectively fighting off infections. The abnormal plasma cells can result in too many light chain amyloidosis and its accumulation can cause abnormal protein in tissues. The accumulation of amyloid can cause the enlargement of various organs and affect their normal function.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on the history of the patient, a physical evaluation, the symptoms evident and with various diagnostic tests. The initial tests that are used to determine the disease include blood tests, urine tests and bone marrow biopsy. Additional imaging tests used to detect problems associated with this condition include an X-ray, MRI, CT or PET scan. The diagnostic testings’ may also be used to determine the stage of the disease which is staged as 1, 2 and 3. Stage 3 is the aggressive form that can affect several parts of the body including the bone and the kidneys.
Treatment
In some cases, immediate treatment may not be required particularly if no symptoms are evident. In such cases, the condition will be regularly monitored to see how the disease is progressing. There is no cure for the condition, but the treatment is focused on providing relief, to control the development of complications and to slow the progression of the disease. The treatment can consist of targeted therapy, biological therapy, chemotherapy and corticosteroids.
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-myeloma/basics/treatment/con-20026607
https://www.themmrf.org/multiple-myeloma/diagnosis/
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/about/what-is-multiple-myeloma.html
