Multiple myeloma

Plasma cell dyscrasia; Plasma cell myeloma; Malignant plasmacytoma; Plasmacytoma of bone; Myeloma - multiple

The cause of multiple myeloma is unknown. Past treatment with radiation therapy increases the risk for this type of cancer. Multiple myeloma mainly affects older adults.

Multiple myeloma most commonly causes:

• Low red blood cell count (anemia), which can lead to fatigue and shortness of breath
• Low white blood cell count, which makes you more likely to get infections
• Low platelet count, which can lead to abnormal bleeding

As the cancer cells grow in the bone marrow, you may have bone pain, most often in the ribs or back.

The cancer cells can weaken bones. As a result:

• You may develop broken bones (bone fractures) just from doing normal activities.
• If cancer grows in the spine bones, it can press on the nerves. This can lead to numbness or weakness of the arms or legs.

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 (immunofixation)
• Blood tests to quickly and accurately measure the specific level of certain proteins called immunoglobulins (nephelometry)

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.

People who have mild disease or in whom the diagnosis is not certain are usually closely monitored. Some people have a form of multiple myeloma that grows slowly (smoldering myeloma), which takes years to cause symptoms.

Various types of medicines are used to treat multiple myeloma. They are most often given to prevent complications such as bone fractures and kidney damage.

Radiation therapy may be used to relieve bone pain or to shrink a tumor that is pushing on the spinal cord.

Two types of bone marrow transplants may be used:

• Autologous bone marrow or stem cell transplantation is performed using a person's own stem cells.
• Allogeneic transplant uses someone else's stem cells. This treatment has serious risks, but may offer the chance of a cure.

You and your healthcare provider may need to manage other concerns during your treatment, including:

• Having chemotherapy at home
• Managing your pets
• Bleeding problems
• Dry mouth
• Eating enough calories
• Safe eating during cancer treatment

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.

Outlook depends on the person's age and the stage of disease. In some cases, the disease progresses very rapidly. In other cases, it takes years for symptoms to appear.

In general, multiple myeloma is treatable, but only in rare cases can it be cured.

Kidney failure is a frequent complication. Others may include:

• Bone fractures
• High level of calcium in the blood, which can be very dangerous
• Increased chances for infection, especially in the lungs
• Weakness or loss of movement due to tumor pressing on spinal cord

Call your doctor if you have multiple myeloma and you develop an infection, or numbness, loss of movement, or loss of sensation.