Myeloma
Also known as:
Multiple Myeloma or Plasma Cell
Myeloma
What is it?
The full name of this disease is Multiple Myeloma or Plasma Cell
Myeloma. This
means "many white spots", which is what was found in the bones of people who died
of this disease centuries ago. The white spots were collections of tumor cells. Myeloma is
a malignant or cancerous growth of a particular cell called a plasma cell usually found in the bone marrow. The normal function of these cells is to secrete immunoglobulin
molecules, which are part of the body's defense against infections. For reasons we
do not understand, in some people these cells become malignant and replace
the normal
bone marrow. This can cause a low red blood cell count (anemia), and elevated calcium (a
chemical in the blood which aids in muscle contraction), and can affect the function of the
kidneys. The abnormal growth of these cells also weakens bones.
Who gets it?
This is generally a disease of the elderly.
It is not hereditary or contagious. While we do know that radiation
exposure can cause the disease to develop, for most patients it is unknown
why
these cells become malignant.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of Myeloma include weakness, back pain, and fatigue. Occasionally
patients develop broken bones that have been weakened
by the disorder. Other times the disease is detected in patients who have no symptoms
because of abnormalities detected on routine blood tests.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by testing the blood and urine for evidence of an abnormal
protein that is secreted by myeloma cells, performing x-rays of the bones, and by performing
a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy in which the abnormal cells can often be seen under
the microscope.
Treatment
This disease is treatable with chemotherapy that can be taken either by mouth or
administered by vein. High dose chemotherapy with autologous (self) stem cell transplant
plays a roll in the treatment of this disorder for many patients.
In addition to treating the tumor cells with chemotherapy, it is important that
patients be treated with medications designed to strengthen and preserve the bones. At
present these are given intravenously every 3 to 4 weeks. However, we anticipate that new
formulations will become available allowing patients to be treated with these medications
in pill form. It is important to preserve bone strength and mobility. Moderate exercise is recommended: ask your doctor if
limits should be placed on exercising.
Patients with multiple myeloma are more subject to serious infections than
people without this disease. Bring to your doctor’s attention any evidence of an infection you
might have especially fever, cough, chills, and weakness or dizziness when standing.
For patients with multiple myeloma, antibiotics are usually administered earlier in the course
of an illness than would be done for a patient without this disease.
Physician's Who Treat Myeloma
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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