Myeloma

Introduction

Multiple myeloma is the cancer of the bone marrow. Situated in the centre of the bone, the spongy tissue called bone marrow produces the body’s blood cells. The multiple in myeloma comes from the fact that the cancer often affects many parts of the body – like the spine, skull, pelvis and ribs.

What causes multiple myeloma is still unclear. But research shows that the condition can be usually attributed to the abnormal growth of a plasma cell in the bone marrow. This results in the production of cancerous myeloma cells. Unlike normal cells that follow the normal life cycle of living and dying, these cancerous cells continue to multiply indefinitely. This out of control production will impair the growth of healthy cells.

  • Bone pain
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Upset stomach
  • Constipation
  • Confusion
  • Frequent infections
  • Severe thirst
  • Weakness or numbness in your arms and legs

Multiple myeloma is usually diagnosed before any symptoms surface and can be detected by routine physical exams, blood tests, and urine tests.

Multiple myeloma is incurable. But certain treatments can provide temporary relief, reduce complications, and limit the disease’s growth.

If you need treatment, typical options are:

  • Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy will block protein-destroying chemicals in myeloma cells and kill them.

  • Biological therapy

These medications will help the body’s immune system to kill myeloma cells.

  • Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy will kill rapidly growing myeloma cells.

  • Radiation therapy
    • Intense beams of energy will attack myeloma cells and limit their growth.
    • Radiation therapy will be administered only in selective cases of spinal cord compression or plasmacytoma.
  • Stem cell transplants
    • In a stem cell transplant, damaged bone marrow is replaced with healthy bone marrow from a donor.
    • Used in cases of prolonged disease for survival, can be done in selective patients.

Patients are our number one priority. We are committed to their health and wellbeing. It is this dedication that guides us to give our very best, and our multidisciplinary team of trained professionals work together to ensure quality care. If you’re showing any symptoms of Myeloma listed above, consult the team of experts at Haemato Oncology Care Centre (HOCC) without any delay.

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