Over 32,000 cases of Multiple Myeloma are reported each year worldwide, out of which about 12,800 lose their lives to the disease. Multiple Myeloma is a rare blood cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. It causes severe abnormalities in the blood of the patient due to which several other complications arise.
Also known as Kahler’s disease, Multiple Myeloma causes abnormal growth of the plasma cells inside the bone marrow. Typically, in a healthy body, these plasma cells contribute significantly to the immunity and make the B cells responsible for the second line of defense against a pathogen.
In an affected marrow, these plasma cells divide uncontrollably and produce an excessive protein that accumulates in the bone and flows through the blood. Due to lowered immunity, the affected individual can get infections quickly, while the accumulation of protein in bones weakens them and even causes anemia and organ damage in later stages.
The risk factors for Multiple Myeloma include
- Age (over 60 years)
- Race (African-American descend)
- Sex (male)
However, anyone is prone to getting this cancer, so it’s better to stay aware of its symptoms
Early detection of the disease can save your life. Though there is no cure for cancer, its symptoms can be managed better if the detection is done at an earlier stage. With progressive stages, the symptoms start getting worse and more severe.
The first few signs are frequent infections and severe bone pain. Your immunity has not only gone down, but it is also being suppressed by abnormal plasma cells, which weaken the body further. Bones having excess protein accumulated in them will cause severe pain, especially in the weight-bearing areas like hips and back. Also, the bones might become brittle and break easily.
Later stages include organ involvement and hyperproteinemia, which is high levels of protein in the blood.
With regular checkups, you can stay aware of your body’s condition and start your treatment earliest.
The tests which confirm the diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma are:
- Complete Blood Picture: this one is the most commonly conducted blood test, which shows the complete picture of blood, all the cells, platelets, and even plasma features. If abnormal protein particles are found floating in your bloodstream, it may suggest cancer.
- Bone marrow tests: a small part of bone marrow is taken from the bone and tested for any abnormal presence of cells.
- X-ray and MRI: these imaging tests are done to analyze bone density.
Right now, there is no definite cure for the disease. The treatments done are symptomatic and only relieve symptoms to ease the patient’s condition. Most patients with this condition may have a life expectancy of five years after diagnosis.
Strong painkillers like morphine are prescribed to subdue the pain, and the medications to bring down protein levels.