Understanding a complex cancer like Multiple Myeloma can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the essential information you need, from early signs to treatment. Don't navigate this journey in the dark; empower yourself with knowledge.
What is Multiple Myeloma?
- Multiple Myeloma is a cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell, which is found in the bone marrow.
- In this disease, cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow, where they crowd out healthy blood cells and produce abnormal proteins.
- The exact cause is unknown, but it begins with one abnormal plasma cell that multiplies, sometimes starting from a pre-cancerous stage called smoldering myeloma.
Key symptoms of Multiple Myeloma to watch for
- Bone pain, especially in the spine or chest, and bones that break easily are among the most common signs of multiple myeloma.
- Other key multiple myeloma symptoms include fatigue from anemia (low red blood cells), frequent infections, and kidney problems due to abnormal proteins.
- A definitive multiple myeloma diagnosis involves blood tests, urine tests, bone marrow biopsies, and imaging studies to check for these signs.
How is Multiple Myeloma effectively treated?
- Multiple myeloma treatment has advanced significantly and aims to control the cancer, relieve symptoms, and improve multiple myeloma life expectancy.
- Common treatments include targeted therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplants, often used in combination depending on the multiple myeloma stages.
- While it is not considered curable, modern therapies have made it a manageable chronic disease for many, allowing for long periods of remission.
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Image of the disease Multiple Myeloma
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A multiple myeloma diagnosis can be challenging, but breakthroughs in treatment offer hope. If you experience persistent symptoms, consult a hematologist-oncologist for a proper evaluation and to discuss your options.
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