Multiple Myeloma Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that occurs in a type of white blood cell known as a plasma cell. Plasma cells in the body function to fight infection by producing antibodies that recognize and attack certain germs.
Multiple myeloma causes the accumulation of cancer cells in the bone marrow so that the cancer cells become more numerous than healthy blood cells. As a result, the production of antibodies that should help the body function against infection is not fulfilled. The cancer cells instead produce abnormal proteins that, instead of fighting infection, cause complications.
Handling multiple myeloma cannot always be done in individuals who do not show special signs and symptoms. However, those who are positive for multiple myeloma can undergo several types of treatment to control the condition.
Symptom
The signs and symptoms that arise in someone who has multiple myeloma are quite varied. In the early stages of this disease, the symptoms are not particularly visible.
Some of the signs and symptoms that can occur in multiple myeloma are:
- Bone pain, especially in the spine or ribs
- Nauseous
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- A sense of confusion
- Fatigue
- Recurrent infection
- Weight loss
- Weakness or numbness in the limbs
- Excessive thirst
Reason
The cause of multiple myeloma is not known with certainty. However, experts now know that myeloma begins as an abnormal plasma cell that forms in the spinal cord.
The spinal cord is a soft tissue that produces blood cells which is in the center of the bone. Furthermore, the abnormal cancer cells multiplied rapidly. Because cancer cells do not experience the maturation and death of normal cells, they continue to grow. Over time, abnormal cells become more numerous than normal cell production.
In the bone marrow, myeloma cells that exceed the number of white blood cells and red blood cells cause weakness and a decrease in the ability of white blood cells to fight infection. Myeloma cells still produce antibodies like healthy plasma cells. However, the antibodies produced are abnormal antibodies that cannot be used by the body.
These abnormal antibodies (called monoclonal proteins, or M proteins) build up in the body and cause problems such as kidney damage. Cancer cells can also cause bone damage which increases the risk of fractures.
Some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of multiple myeloma are:
- Age increase. The risk of developing multiple myeloma increases with age. Most individuals are diagnosed around the age of 60.
- Gender. Men have a higher risk of developing multiple myeloma than women.
- Family history of multiple myeloma. Someone with family members who have multiple myeloma has a higher risk of experiencing this condition.
Diagnosis
In some cases, doctors may accidentally detect multiple myeloma during blood tests for other conditions. In some other cases, doctors can suspect multiple myeloma based on the signs and symptoms experienced.
Examinations that can be done to diagnose multiple myeloma include:
- Blood test. Laboratory analysis may show the presence of the M protein produced by myeloma cells. Another abnormal protein produced by myeloma cells, called beta-2-microglobulin, can be detected in the blood.
The presence of these abnormal proteins can give doctors clues about the aggressiveness of myeloma. In addition, blood tests may be performed to evaluate kidney function, blood cell counts, calcium levels, and uric acid levels to guide your doctor in making a diagnosis.
- Urine examination. A urine test can show M protein, which is also known as Bence Jones protein when detected in the urine.
- Bone marrow examination. Doctors can take samples from the bone marrow for laboratory tests. Sampling is done using a long needle inserted into the bone, which is known as a bone marrow aspiration.
Furthermore, in the laboratory, an examination will be carried out to see the presence of myeloma cells. In addition, an examination was also carried out to measure the speed of division of the myeloma cells.
- Imaging examination. Imaging studies may be recommended to detect bone problems associated with multiple myeloma. Examinations can include X-rays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT), or Positron Emission Tomography (PET).
Treatment
Several standard treatment options for multiple myeloma; is:
- Targeted therapy. This is a type of treatment that focuses on the specific abnormalities in the cancer cells that keep them alive.
This targeted therapy works to inhibit the action of myeloma cells in breaking down proteins. This therapy is expected to cause damage to myeloma cells. This technique can be administered through a vein (intravenously) or orally.
- Biological therapy. Biological therapy functions to support the body’s immune system to fight myeloma cells. This type of therapy identifies and attacks cancer cells. More often given orally.
- Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs damage rapidly growing cells, including myeloma cells. Chemotherapy drugs can be given intravenously or orally. High doses of chemotherapy drugs may be given before a bone marrow transplant.
- Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids play a role in regulating the immune system to control inflammation in the body. This class of drugs is also active against myeloma cells. It can be administered intravenously or orally.
- Bone marrow transplant. Bone marrow transplant is a procedure to replace diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow.
Before the transplant, blood cell-forming stem cells are harvested from the bloodstream. After that, high-dose chemotherapy will be administered to damage the diseased bone marrow. Then, the stem cells will be injected into the body. These cells will build new bone marrow.
- Radiation therapy. This therapy uses energy beams, such as X-rays and protons, to damage myeloma cells and stop them from growing. Radiation therapy can also be used to rapidly shrink myeloma cells in specific areas.
Prevention
Multiple myeloma is not a preventable condition. The reason is, only very few cases are related to risk factors that can be avoided.
Although many other types of cancer have quite clear risk factors that influence the development of the disease. For example, smoking habits and lung cancer. The preventable risk factors for multiple myeloma are not known with certainty.