Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that begins in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. These cells are part of your immune system, which helps protect the body from germs and other harmful substances. In time, myeloma cells collect in the bone marrow and in the solid parts of bone.

Plasma cells are a crucial part of the immune system responsible for the production of antibodies in humans and other vertebrates. Due to the fundamental nature of the system affected, multiple myeloma manifests systemic symptoms that make it difficult to diagnose. Myeloma is generally thought to be incurable, but remissions may be induced with steroids, chemotherapy, thalidomide and stem cell transplants.

Symptoms:

· Bone pain, usually in the back and ribs

· Broken bones, usually in the spine

· Feeling weak and very tired

· Feeling very thirsty

· Frequent infections and fevers

· Weight loss

· Nausea or constipation

· Frequent urination

Causes

· Age over 65: Growing older increases the chance of developing multiple myeloma. Most people with myeloma are diagnosed after age 65.

· Family history of multiple myeloma: Studies have found that a person's risk of multiple myeloma may be higher if a close relative had the disease.

· Plasma cells help the body's immune system fight disease by producing proteins called antibodies. In multiple myeloma, plasma cells grow out of control in the bone marrow and form tumors in the areas of solid bone.

· The growth of these bone tumors makes it harder for the bone marrow to make red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This causes anemia, which makes a person more likely to get infections and have abnormal bleeding.

Medications

· Bone Scan : Prostate cancer often spreads to bones if not detected early. For this reason, this test can be done to provide a detailed picture of the body’s bones.

· CT Scan or MRI – These two tests can be used to provide a detailed look at the organs and tissues in the abdomen and pelvis. Only large, bulky areas of cancer outside of the prostate can be seen with these, so they need to be combined with other tests to be most useful.

· Urine Test: The lab checks are done for Bence Jones protein, a type of M protein, in urine.If the lab finds a high level of Bence Jones protein in your urine sample, doctors will monitor your kidneys. Bence Jones protein can clog the kidneys and damage them.

· Biopsy : This removes tissue to be looked at under a microscope for signs of infection or a disease, such as cancer. Other tests may also be used to check the tissue sample, including a culture, genetic tests, or tests to study the body's immune system (immunological tests).]

· Bone marrow aspiration: The doctor uses a thick, hollow needle to remove samples of bone marrow.

· Bone marrow biopsy: The doctor uses a very thick, hollow needle to remove a small piece of bone and bone marrow.