Multiple Myeloma is a condition in which there is cancerous rise in the plasma cells, hampering the formation of good antibodies. Hence, this immediately hampers the immunity of the affected individuals. These cells are found inside the bone marrow. The cancerous cells produce harmful proteins in the bone marrow that can be damaging and hazardous to the body. These cancerous cells push out the healthy cells and immediately start multiplying themselves. If not treated on time, the condition can deteriorate and prove fatal.

Causes of Multiple Myeloma

Researchers have stated that no specific causes of multiple Myeloma have been found yet. Hence, mentioned below are some of the possible reasons that can be red flags, indicating multiple Myeloma:

Genetic Mutations- Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow. When genetic material is abnormally exchanged between translocations of chromosomes, it can lead to multiple myeloma. Disturbed cell DNA is considered one of the multiple myeloma risk factors.

Environmental Factors- Harmful environmental factors are also one of the multiple myeloma causes or risk factors. An individual exposed to harmful environmental elements such as asbestos, benzene, pesticides, and similar chemicals is more prone to multiple Myeloma.

Inflammatory Diseases- Different inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal issues, and many other health problems are also possible causes of multiple Myeloma. People suffering from such cases are more prone to get affected by this disease.

Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

Multiple Myeloma is rare; identifying its symptoms isn't challenging. Mentioned below are some of the multiple myeloma symptoms that can help one to get the disease checked:

Extreme Pain in Bones- People with multiple Myeloma often experience bone pain. Due to cancerous cells, the affected individual may experience pain in the chest, arms, and legs. People suffering from advanced multiple myeloma stage might also suffer from a bone fracture. Hence, one must immediately rush to a doctor in case of sudden and extreme bone pain.

Hypercalcemia- Hypercalcemia is another symptom of Multiple Myeloma. It happens when the calcium level in the blood is higher than normal.

Tiredness- Multiple myeloma symptoms also include weakness and fatigue, due to loss of Production of adequate red cells leading to anemia. Hence, the affected individual feels weak and tired.

Improper kidney functioning - High levels of protein and calcium in the blood are another symptom of Multiple Myeloma. At the time of diagnosis, many patients suffer from improper kidney functioning. People with late stages of the disease might also suffer from kidney disorders or kidney failure. Hence, issues in the functioning of the kidney are another one of the multiple myeloma symptoms.

Other Symptoms- Other general symptoms of multiple Myeloma may include weak bones, pain in the chest, neurological disorders, thickening of the blood, back pain, and various similar disorders.

Treatment Options to Cure Multiple Myeloma

Choosing the appropriate multiple myeloma treatment option depends upon the patient's present state. Mentioned below are some of the treatment options for the disease that are usually opted for by doctors:

Medications - Proper medications help to lower cancerous cells count. It helps to lower the symptoms of the disease and also helps to avoid the relapsing of Multiple Myeloma. The anti- osteoporosis medicines such as zoledronic acid and pamidronate help to strengthen bones.

Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is a treatment option for any cancer. The treatment option involves using drugs to control the growth of cancerous cells causing multiple Myelomas. The therapy uses immunomodulatory drugs such as thalidomide, lenalidomide, pomalidomide, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin , Melphalan, Liposomal doxorubicin . Other drugs like bortezomib, carfilzomib and ixazomib are also used.

Targeted Therapy - Targeted therapy is another multiple myeloma treatment. The therapy involves targeting the specific cells producing the disease in the bone marrow. Daratumumab is a monoclonal antibody against CD38 expresssed on myeloma cells.CAR T cell therapy is the newest treatment for myeloma. The main goal of the therapy is to cease the growth and spread of the disease and avoid its relapsing.

Various other multiple myeloma treatment options include:

- Immunomodulatory Drugs
- Bone-modifying Drugs
- Immunotherapy
- Stem Cell Transplantation

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Oncology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cell, a rare form of cancer. Hence, many times people suffering from its symptoms cannot identify it. But today, advancements in medical science have helped to find various treatment options to cure the disease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is Multiple Myeloma?

A. Multiple Myeloma is a rare form of cancer in which the plasma cells found in the bone marrow,become cancerous and damage the body.

Q. What are the symptoms of Multiple Myeloma?

A. Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma include bone pain, abrupt bone fracture, wt loss, pain in arms and legs, and many similar health problems.

Q. What are the treatment options to cure Multiple Myeloma?

A. Many multiple myeloma treatment options exist, such as, medications, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant and many more.

Q. What are the risk factors of Multiple Myeloma?

A. Factors such as age, exposure to radiation, carcinogens, family history, are some of the common risk factors for Multiple Myeloma.