Health Education Ministry

Multiple myeloma is cancer that starts in the plasma cells in bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside most bones. It helps make blood cells.

Plasma cells help your body fight infection by producing proteins called antibodies. With 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 weakens the solid bones and makes it harder for the bone marrow to make healthy blood cells and platelets.

Myeloma is the second most common blood cancer in the United States.

The risk factors for multiple myeloma are not conclusive, because the cause of multiple myeloma is not known. Researchers believe that multiple myeloma is most likely the result of many risk factors acting together. There are, however, some factors that may be associated with an increased risk of developing multiple myeloma. These multiple myeloma risk factors include genetic factors, occupational exposure, age, race, and gender.

Age
The most significant risk factor for multiple myeloma is age, as 96% of cases are diagnosed in people older than 45 years, and more than 63% are diagnosed in people older than 65 years. Thus, it is thought that susceptibility to myeloma may increase with the aging process.

 

Gender
Men are slightly more likely to develop multiple myeloma than women.

 

Race
Multiple myeloma is more than twice as common in African Americans than in white Americans. The reason is not known.

 

Family History
Multiple myeloma seems to run in some families. Someone who has a sibling or parent with myeloma is 4 times more likely to get it than would be expected. Still, most patients have no affected relatives, so this accounts for only a small number of cases.

 

Obesity
A study by the American Cancer Society has found that being overweight or obese increases a person’s risk of developing myeloma.

 

Symptoms
Multiple myeloma most commonly causes a low red blood cell count (anemia), which can lead to fatigue and shortness of breath. It can also cause low white blood cell count, which makes you more likely to get infections. Multiple myeloma can also cause low platelet count, which can lead to abnormal bleeding.

 

Common symptoms may include:
• Bone pain, often in the back or ribs
• Broken bones
• Weakness or fatigue
• Weight loss
• Frequent infections and fevers
• Feeling very thirsty
• Frequent urination

 

As the cancer cells grow in the bone marrow, you may have bone or back pain, most often in the ribs or back. The cancer cells can weaken bones. You may develop broken bones (bone fractures) just from doing normal activities. If cancer grows in the spine bones, pressure on the nerves may result. This can lead to numbness or weakness of the arms or legs.

 

Exams and Tests
Blood tests can help diagnose this disease. These tests include:
• Albumin level
• Calcium level
• Total protein level
• Kidney function blood tests
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Blood and urine tests to identify proteins, or antibodies
• Blood tests to quickly and accurately measure the specific level of certain proteins called immunoglobulins

 

Bone x-rays may show fractures or hollowed out areas of bone. If your doctor suspects this type of cancer, a bone marrow biopsy will be performed.

 

Bone density testing may show bone loss.

 

Treatments
Multiple myeloma is a treatable cancer, with early testing and diagnosis being key. There is no one standard multiple myeloma treatment.

A patient’s individual treatment plan is based on several factors, including:
• Age and general health
• Results of laboratory and cytogenetic (genomic) tests
• Symptoms and disease complications
• Prior myeloma treatment
• Patient’s lifestyle, goals, views on quality of life, and personal preferences

 

Prevention
Multiple myeloma is not a preventable disease as very few cases are linked to avoidable risk factors. While many cancers have clear risk factors that influence the development of the disease, such as smoking and lung cancer, multiple myeloma’s risk factors are not fully understood. Unfortunately, this means nothing can be done to prevent the disease.

 

Sources:
BlackDoctor.org, Reviewed by Dr. Melvin Gaskins
American Cancer Society
National Institutes of Health
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation