What is it a disease? Multiple myeloma is a malignant tumor (cancer) of the plasma cells. Normal plasma cells are able to produce antibodies and fight off infections in the body. Multiple myeloma is characterized by the production of large numbers of abnormal plasma cells and globular proteins that invade the bone marrow, bones and other organs throughout the body, causing abnormalities in the structure and function of organs.
Its incidence?
Overall, multiple myeloma is a relatively uncommon tumor, accounting for approximately 1% of all cancers; it accounts for 10% of hematologic tumors.
Who can have this disease?
Multiple myeloma can occur in people of any age, but it most commonly occurs in adults around the age of 65 and is more common in men than women.
What are its causes?
The cause of multiple myeloma is not known, but the risk is thought to be higher in people with a history of long-term exposure to radiation and organic chemicals than in the general population.
What are its symptoms?
Multiple myeloma symptoms are mainly caused by myeloma cells invading organs and abnormal globulin production.
1. Bone pain: Mostly seen in the spine, sternum and weight-bearing bones
2.Anemia: weakness, dizziness, pallor and shortness of breath after activity
3.Recurrent infections, manifested as decreased resistance
4, hypercalcemia: frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, constipation and abnormal consciousness
5.Renal impairment: hypuria, facial and lower limb edema, etc.
6, neuropathy: low back pain with lower limb radiating pain, abnormal sensation, motor disorders, etc.
7, hyperviscosity: chest tightness, headache, etc.
8, other.
What tests are needed?
1.Myeloma related examination
2.Blood routine
3.Biochemical routine, C-reactive protein, β2 microglobulin
4.Plasma protein immunoelectrophoresis and immunofixation
5.Quantitative plasma immunoglobulin
6.Urinary routine and 24-hour urine protein immunoelectrophoresis and immunofixation
7.Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy (morphology, immunophenotype and genetics)
8, bone X-ray (spine, pelvis, skull, sternum, ribs, long bones, etc.); bone magnetic resonance examination if necessary
How to diagnose this disease?
The diagnosis of multiple myeloma relies on 3 main criteria.
1. the presence of M protein in the blood and or urine
2. bone marrow plasma cells exceeding 10% or plasmacytoma
3. Related organ damage: renal insufficiency, anemia, elevated blood calcium, melt bone disease or osteoporosis or symptomatic hyperviscosity, recurrent infections, etc.
How is it treated?
The treatment of myeloma depends on the presence or absence of target organ damage, whether or not the patient receives an autologous stem cell transplant, the high risk of recurrence and general health status.
What are the side effects of treatment?
Treatment relapse varies depending on the type and severity of the disease, depending on the treatment regimen received and individual factors. In general, the stronger the treatment regimen, the more severe the associated side effects. Most side effects are manageable and reversible.
Chemotherapy mainly causes myelosuppression, often within a week of chemotherapy, and recovery takes time, depending on the type and dose of chemotherapy drugs and the patient’s response to leukemia treatment. During this time, patients usually require adequate supportive care, such as isolation in a laminar bed, leukocyte-raising therapy, antibiotic therapy, and blood transfusions.
Other complications of chemotherapy are.
1.Fatigue and weakness
2. Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
3.Mouth ulcers
4.Diarrhea or constipation
5.Infertility
6.Could cause second tumor