Understanding Multiple Myeloma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Multiple myeloma develops when abnormal plasma cells build up in the bone marrow, displacing healthy blood cells. Unlike normal cells that produce beneficial antibodies, cancerous plasma cells generate abnormal proteins, leading to various health issues. Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment at specialized healthcare centers are essential for effective management of the disease.

Origins
Myeloma originates from a single rogue plasma cell in the bone marrow, a soft tissue that produces blood components within bones.

The rogue cell multiplies rapidly, but the exact cause of myeloma remains unclear. Unlike healthy cells that mature and die naturally, cancer cells persist and accumulate, crowding out normal white blood cells and weakening the immune system. Despite their attempt to produce antibodies, these cells generate dysfunctional proteins (M proteins), which can harm organs like the kidneys.

Bone integrity is also compromised as myeloma cells increase fracture risk.

Symptoms
In early stages, symptoms may be absent, but as the disease advances, signs emerge. These include:

Persistent bone pain, especially in the spine or chest

Confusion and mental fog

Constipation and dehydration

Excessive thirst and fatigue

Frequent infections

Loss of appetite and nausea

Numbness or weakness in limbs

Unintentional weight loss

Prognosis
Survival varies based on treatment and disease stage. Studies suggest the average survival is around four years, with some patients exceeding ten years with proper care.

Risk Factors
Factors influencing myeloma development include:

Aging: Most diagnoses occur in individuals in their 60s.

Gender: Men are more frequently affected.

Ethnicity: Black populations face twice the risk of other groups.

Family history: Genetic predisposition increases likelihood.

History of MGUS: About 1% yearly progress from MGUS to myeloma.

Complications
Potential issues include:

Bone weakening and fractures

Recurrent infections due to immune suppression

Anemia resulting from reduced red blood cell counts

Kidney damage or failure caused by excess calcium and abnormal proteins

Treatment Approaches
Effective management depends on disease staging. Common treatments encompass:

Bisphosphonates to strengthen bones

Chemotherapy to target cancer cells

Plasmapheresis to remove harmful proteins from blood

Radiation therapy to control tumor growth

Stem cell transplants to restore healthy blood cells

Surgical procedures in localized cases