Multiple Myeloma: What You Need To Know - Part 1

1. What is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a relatively uncommon form of cancer which affects the plasma cells that are produced in the bone marrow - the soft tissue found inside some hollow bones. Normally plasma cells have the function of producing antibodies (immunoglobulin) as part of the body's immune system. However when plasma cells become cancerous they grow out of control producing tumors called plasmacytomas. These tumors usually develop in a bone, but may also occur in other tissues. A single plasma cell tumor is called an isolated (or solitary) plasmacytoma, whereas several plasma cell tumors are referred to as multiple myeloma.

2. What are the common symptoms?

There is a range of symptoms possible with multiple myeloma.


Anemia: a shortage of red blood cells causes sufferers to become pale, weak and fatigued.
Increased bleeding and bruising: due to low levels of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia).
Difficulty fighting infections: due to a shortage of normal white blood cells (leukopenia).
Weak and fragile bones: due to the myeloma cells sending signals to dissolve bone but not rebuild it.
Bone Pain: Any bone can be affected, but painful back, hips and skull are most common.
High Blood Calcium: due to dissolution of the bones. Related symptoms include extreme thirst, excessive urination, dehydration, constipation, loss of appetite, weakness, drowsiness and confusion. Extreme levels of calcium can lead to a coma.
Kidney Problems: due to high quantities of myeloma protein damaging the kidneys.
Nervous System Problems: due to physical collapse of affected vertebrae. Also myeloma proteins can be toxic to nerve calls, causing weakness and numbness.

3. What are the risk factors?

There are few risk factors that may affect someone's chance of getting multiple myeloma. However the following have been observed:


Age: Most sufferers are over 65 years while less than 1% of cases involve people under 35.
Gender: Men have a slightly greater chance of developing MM as women.
Race: MM is nearly twice as likely in black compared to white Americans.
Radiation Exposure: may slightly increase the risk.
Family History: A person with a parent or sibling with myeloma has a 4 times greater risk.
Workplace: Workers in petroleum related industries may have a higher risk.
Obesity: Overweight people have a slightly greater risk.
Plasma Cell Diseases: Many people with Solitary Plasmacytoma eventually develop multiple myeloma.

4. What causes this cancer?

Unfortunately, despite extensive research, the causes of multiple myeloma are still unknown.

5. How is it detected?

Multiple Myeloma causes few symptoms in the early stages and any occurring are often vague. Routine blood tests may show an abnormally high level of protein in the blood. If symptoms do suggest Multiple Myeloma then usually laboratory tests of blood and urine, bone x-rays and bone marrow biopsies are performed.


Blood Counts: Low levels of red cells, white cells and platelets.
Quantitative Immunoglobulins: Often one type of immunoglobulin is high while others are low.
Electrophoresis: Carried out on blood and urine to determine proportions of immunoglobulins.
Beta-2 microglobulin: Not harmful of itself, but high levels are indicative that the disease is advanced and the prognosis worse.
Bone Marrow Biopsy: A small amount of liquid bone marrow is withdrawn from the bone via a needle. The sample is examined with a microscope for the presence of myeloma cells.
Imaging Studies: Bone X-rays, CAT Scans, PET Scans and MRI's may all be carried out to locate and identify myeloma tumors throughout the body.

Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma requires a combination of the patient's symptoms, doctor's physical examination and the results of blood tests and x-rays. The following observations are necessary for a positive diagnosis:


A plasma cell tumor identified via biopsy
OR
Plasma cells constituting over 10% of bone marrow cells

In addition any one of the following:


High levels of Myeloma protein in blood (> 3g/dL)
High levels of Myeloma protein in urine (> 1g/dL)
Holes in bones, caused by growth of tumors, detected on x-rays

By John Cusworth (Editor: "Healthy Wealth For Life")
Part 2 of this article will include information about the Stages of Multiple Myeloma as well as conventional and alternative treatments.
More information on Multiple Myeloma can be found at http://www.multiplemyelomasymptoms.net

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