Myeloma
Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma or plasma cell myeloma, is a type of cancer that originates in the plasma cells of the bone marrow. These plasma cells produce antibodies that help the body fight infections. In myeloma, abnormal plasma cells excessively produce monoclonal immunoglobulins, which can lead to various health complications. It predominantly affects adults over the age of forty, with risk factors including age, exposure to carcinogens, genetic predispositions, and a declining immune response.
Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer in the United States and is particularly prevalent among Black Americans and slightly more common in men. Common symptoms include back and bone pain, fatigue, decreased immunity, and abnormal bleeding. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, urinalysis, imaging studies, and bone marrow biopsies, with no standard screening process in place. Treatment varies based on disease stage and may include chemotherapy, radiation, and supportive therapies, although myeloma is currently considered incurable. Despite this, many patients can manage the disease effectively, with a five-year survival rate ranging from 40% to 80%, depending on various factors.
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Subject Terms
Myeloma
ALSO KNOWN AS: Multiple myeloma, plasma cell myeloma
RELATED CONDITIONS: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, other blood cancers
DEFINITION: Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells found in the bone marrow. Plasma cells produce antibodies that fight infection. In myeloma, abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow overproduce monoclonal immunoglobulins. Multiple myeloma occurs when multiple bones are affected.
Risk factors: As nearly all cases of multiple myeloma are diagnosed in adults over forty, age is considered the most significant risk factor. However, it is thought that myeloma results from several unknown factors working together.
Etiology and the disease process: The definitive cause of myeloma has not been determined. However, as age is its primary risk factor, potential causes include age-related factors such as long-term exposure to carcinogens, toxins, genetic variations, and decreased immune response.
Incidence: Myeloma is most commonly found in Black Americans and occurs slightly more frequently in men. Multiple myeloma is the second most common type of blood cancer in the United States, behind non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The lifetime risk of developing multiple myeloma is about 0.7 percent. The average age of diagnosis is seventy, and very few diagnoses occur in people under forty.
Symptoms: A common symptom is back pain, often accompanied by bone pain in the pelvis, ribs, and neck. Patients with myeloma have also reported excessive fatigue, iron deficiency, decreased immunity (frequent colds or sickness), a decrease in appetite, constipation, “pins and needles” in the feet and legs, and abnormal bleeding of the nose or gums.
Screening and diagnosis: There is no standard screening for myeloma. Patients considered at risk and exhibiting symptoms should see a hematologist (a doctor specializing in blood disorders) and have a series of tests performed to determine a diagnosis. Common tests include blood tests, urinalysis, X-rays, bone scans, and bone marrow biopsies.
There are two systems for staging myelomathe Durie-Salmon Staging System and the International Staging System.
Treatment and therapy: Treatment for myeloma, like that for most cancers, depends on the stage of the disease. Patients are often treated with chemotherapy and radiation, as well as additional therapies to target plasma cells. Some patients benefit from intravenous antibiotics and immunoglobulin.
Prognosis, prevention, and outcomes: The prognosis for myeloma depends on the stage at which the patient is diagnosed and their overall health. While myeloma is not curable, it can be treated and managed. Most patients survive for at least one year following diagnosis, and people diagnosed with multiple myeloma have a five-year survival rate of 40 to 80 percent.
Bibliography
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