Multiple Myeloma is a blood cancer that occurs when a type of white blood cell mutates. When healthy, the white blood cell, called a plasma cell, creates antibodies to fight infections and diseases. Abnormal plasma cells replicate and form cancerous tumors in bone marrow. Multiple myeloma has no symptoms in its early stages and is considered incurable. Myeloma can lead to a range of health problems that become a key component of a treatment plan.
Information. Multiple myeloma is a serious disease that is difficult to diagnose. It is asymptomatic in early stages as it develops from abnormal plasma cells in bone marrow. The cancerous cells accumulate in bone marrow and ultimately inhibit healthy blood cells from functioning properly. Not only does myeloma disrupt the immune system, it also causes plasma cells to create proteins that harm the kidneys. When diagnosed in a later stage, the cancer has a four- to five -year survival rate with treatment. Populations at the greatest risk are individuals over age 50, men, obese individuals, those with a family history, and exposure to radiation and certain chemicals. Hematologists and oncologists are the primary physicians that care for patients with multiple myeloma.
