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What is Multiple Myeloma? Symptoms, Causes, &

Prognosis

Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that arises in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. These cells are found in the bone marrow and normally produce antibodies to help the body fight infections. In multiple myeloma, the plasma cells become cancerous and multiply rapidly, crowding out normal blood-forming cells and producing abnormal antibodies.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

What happens in multiple myeloma?

Abnormal Plasma Cells: .

The cancerous plasma cells, also called myeloma cells, grow uncontrollably in the bone marrow.

Crowding out Normal Cells: .

The myeloma cells crowd out normal blood-forming cells, reducing the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Abnormal Antibody Production: .

Instead of producing normal antibodies, the myeloma cells make an abnormal antibody called M protein.

Bone Damage: .

Myeloma cells can stimulate other cells in the bone marrow to break down bone tissue, leading to bone pain, weakened bones, and fractures.

Symptoms and complications:

Bone Pain: Often in the back, hips, or skull.

Fatigue and Weakness: Due to anemia (low red blood cell count).

Frequent Infections: Due to a decreased number of white blood cells.

Easy Bruising or Bleeding: Due to low platelet count.

Kidney Problems: The abnormal M protein can damage the kidneys.

Other symptoms: Nausea, loss of appetite, mental fogginess, and weight loss.

Complications: Amyloidosis, hypercalcemia (high blood calcium), and kidney failure.

Causes:

The exact cause of multiple myeloma is unknown, but it's thought to be due to genetic changes that lead to uncontrolled growth of plasma cells.

Risk factors: Age (more common in older people), family history, and exposure to certain chemicals or radiation.

Diagnosis:

Blood and urine tests: To detect the abnormal M protein.

Bone marrow biopsy: To examine the bone marrow and identify the myeloma cells.

Medical imaging: Such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI, to look for bone damage.

Treatment:

No cure, but treatments can slow the disease's progression and manage symptoms:

Treatment options: Chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, targeted therapies, steroids, and radiation therapy.

Treatment goals: Reduce the number of myeloma cells, relieve pain, prevent complications, and improve quality of life.

Multiple myeloma - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Dec 20, 2024 — When signs and symptoms happen, they can include: * Bone pain, especially in the spine, chest or hips. * Nausea. * Co...

Mayo Clinic What is Multiple Myeloma? Symptoms, Causes, & Prognosis Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation What is Multiple Myeloma? Symptoms, Causes, & Prognosis Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma. As myeloma cells multiply in the bone marrow, they crowd out normal cells, meaning that there is les... Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Show all Dive deeper in AI Mode This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. Generative AI is experimental.