Multiple myeloma is also known as Kahler’s disease. It is a type of blood cancer. A plasma cell, which is a type of blood cell in the bone marrow, makes antibodies that fight infections and diseases in the body. When an abnormal plasma cell develops in the bone marrow and produces rapidly, multiple myeloma occurs. The reproduction of these abnormal or cancerous cells is so rapid that they outgrow the healthy blood cells and the cancerous cells accumulate in the bone marrow. Instead of producing antibodies, these cancerous cells produce abnormal antibodies that damage the organs and give rise to complications. Multiple myeloma is a rare type of cancer which accounts for about 1 percent of the total number of cancer cases seen each year in the US.
Symptoms
There may be no signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma or they may vary from person to person. The most common symptoms are:
- Bone pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion
- Upset stomach
- Weakness
- Severe thirst
- Getting infections frequently
- Weakness and numbness in the arms or legs
Causes
The exact cause of multiple myeloma remains unknown. It begins with one abnormal plasma cell that multiplies rapidly and since abnormal cells or cancerous cells do not die like healthy cells, they keep accumulating and eventually outgrow the production of healthy cells. Since the antibodies by the healthy blood cells are not getting produced, the body loses its ability to fight infections. And the cancerous cells produce abnormal antibodies that damage the bones, kidneys, and other organs of the body. There are factors that are known to increase the risk of multiple myeloma. These factors are:
- Age above 65 years
- Male sex
- Obesity
- Black race
- Family history
- Exposure to radiation
- Exposure to chemicals
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for multiple myeloma. However, there are treatments that help relieve the symptoms, reduce complications, and delay the progression of the disease. If one is not experiencing any symptoms, then no treatment is prescribed but the condition is monitored closely. In case of symptoms, the following therapies may be prescribed:
- Targeted therapy
- Biological therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Corticosteroids
- Stem cell transplants
- Bone marrow transplant
People suffering from multiple myeloma might face different experiences. Some may experience no symptoms at all and may live for many years, while others may find their condition getting worse very quickly.
Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.
