I. What is multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a malignant blood disorder that originates from the bone marrow. Its main features are the presence of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow, monoclonal immunoglobulins in the blood and urine, and extensive bone destruction and renal impairment. The disease is most common in middle-aged and elderly patients, with the age of onset being between 50 and 60 years old, and more males than females. The disease accounts for 1% of all tumors and 10% of hematologic tumors.
Why does multiple myeloma occur?
The exact cause of multiple myeloma is not known. Studies have shown that certain genetic and environmental factors may be associated with the disease. In addition, factors such as chemical substances and electrical radiation may be related to the formation of multiple myeloma.
What are the clinical symptoms of multiple myeloma?
In the early stages of the disease, patients may not experience any discomfort for several years. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms and complications may occur.
Bone pain: Bone pain is one of the main symptoms of the disease, and most patients will have different degrees of bone pain during the disease process, mainly back pain, chest pain or other parts of bone pain. Cancer cells will also infiltrate outward from bone marrow, invade bone, periosteum and adjacent tissues, and form masses.
2.Anemia
Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and reduced exercise ability.
3.Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia is found in 30% to 40% of foreign patients (10% in China) with multiple myeloma. Symptoms of hypercalcemia include lethargy, polyuria, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Some patients may develop cardiac arrhythmia or even renal failure.
4.Infection
The risk of infection is 15 times higher in patients with multiple myeloma than in normal people. The most common and serious infections are bacterial pneumonia and urinary tract infections, and viral infections (such as shingles) are also common.
5. Kidney damage
Renal lesions are the more common and characteristic clinical manifestations of the disease, starting with proteinuria (light chain) followed by renal insufficiency.
6.High blood viscosity
Less than 10% of patients with myeloma have high blood viscosity. Symptoms include dizziness, stroke-like symptoms, blurred vision and bleeding tendencies (e.g., nosebleeds). It is associated with monoclonal immunoglobulin secreted by abnormal plasma cells.
7. Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis is caused by the precipitation of light chains of immunoglobulins and polysaccharide complexes in tissues and organs, which can lead to tongue enlargement, skin swelling, heart enlargement and heart failure, numbness and pain in hands and feet, and renal insufficiency.
8, bleeding
15%-30% of patients with multiple myeloma have bleeding or petechiae on the skin and mucous membranes. Symptoms of neurological damage include severe pain, numbness, limb weakness or paralysis.
How is multiple myeloma treated?
Chemotherapy is the main treatment for this disease. The application of new chemotherapeutic drugs and the improvement of medication methods are the key factors in improving the efficacy of this disease in recent years, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has also achieved significant efficacy. The emergence of new therapeutic drugs, including Vanco (bortezomib for injection) and Response Stop (thalidomide), has significantly improved the quality of life and survival of patients.