30 Mar What is Multiple Myeloma Awareness: Symptoms and Treatments
Having healthy white blood cells is essential in having a strong immune system. It also helps in fighting infections by making proteins called antibodies.
With multiple myeloma, the body is affected by abnormal antibody production, bone damage, and weekend blood cell formation.
What is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a rare blood cancer and starts with one plasma cell in the bone marrow. It has not been established as to why this type of disease occurs, but experts believed that genetic factors could play a role due to the increased incidence of it among close relatives.
There might be no apparent symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms start to show, it can include:
- Bone pain, particularly in the spine, hips, and chest
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Mental fog or confusion
- Tiredness
- Infections
- Weigh loss
- Fatigue and weakness
- Thirst
Aside from family history of the disease, other risk factors include:
- Older age, with adults 60 years old and above getting diagnosed the most with the disease
- Being male
- Having certain conditions, such as monoclonal gammopathy
Although the disease is not preventable, there are treatment options available to alleviate and manage symptoms.
Multiple Myeloma Treatment Options
Treatment might not be needed right away with this condition. Treatments only start with multiple myeloma when symptoms start to develop.
Treatment options might include:
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- CAR-T Cell Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Corticosteroids
- Bone marrow transplant
- Radiation therapy
Treatments for multiple myeloma is not for curing the patient, but more on managing complications brought on by the disease such as:
- Bone pain
- Kidney damage
- Infections
- Bone loss
- Anemia
Being diagnosed with cancer can be difficult emotionally. During this time, seek professional help or have a strong support system.
