Myeloma Bone Disease / Multiple Myeloma
What is myeloma bone disease?
Myeloma bone disease is cancer that affects certain white blood cells called
plasma cells. Nearly 13,000 new cases of myeloma bone disease are diagnosed
(mostly in persons over age 60) each year, with women affected twice as often
as men.
Plasma cells, and other white blood cells, are part of the immune system. Plasma
cells produce antibodies - proteins that assist the body in ridding itself of
harmful substances. Each plasma cell responds to one specific substance by producing
one kind of antibody. The body has many types of plasma cells, and, therefore,
can respond to many types of substances.
When cancer occurs, the body overproduces plasma cells, which are abnormal
and alike. These abnormal plasma cells are called myeloma cells.
Myeloma cells collect in the bone marrow and the outer layer of the bone. Because
the cells begin in the blood plasma, myeloma is not a bone cancer, but is cancer
that affects bones.
What causes myeloma bone disease?
The exact cause of myeloma bone disease is not known, but theories and associations
have been suggested as risk factors.
| What is a risk factor?
A risk factor is anything that may increase a person’s chance of developing
a disease. It may be an activity, such as smoking, diet, family history,
or many other things. Different diseases have different risk factors.
Although these factors can increase a person’s risk, they do not necessarily
cause the disease. Some people with one or more risk factors never develop
the disease, while others develop the disease and have no known risk factors.
But, knowing your risk factors to any disease can help to guide you into
the appropriate actions, including changing behaviors and being clinically
monitored for the disease. |
What are the risk factors for myeloma bone disease?
Suggested risk factors for myeloma bone disease include the following:
- family history
- exposure to petroleum and other chemicals
- exposure to high amounts of radiation
What are the symptoms of myeloma bone disease?
The following are the most common symptoms for myeloma bone disease. However,
each individual may experience symptoms differently. Myeloma cells and antibodies
may cause the following:
- bone pain
- fractures in bones
- weakness
- fatigue
- weight loss
- repeated infections
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
- problems with urination
- weakness or numbness in legs
- back pain
- rib pain
The symptoms of myeloma bone disease may resemble other bone disorders or medical
problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How is myeloma bone disease diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic
procedures for myeloma bone disease may include the following:
- x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy
beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
- blood and urine tests
- bone marrow biopsy - a procedure in which tissue samples are removed
(with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a microscope;
to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses
a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce
detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
Treatment for myeloma bone disease:
Specific treatment for myeloma bone disease will be determined by your physician
based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
- medications (to control pain)
- fracture treatment
- radiation therapy (to control pain)
- chemotherapy
- alpha interferon - a biological response modifier (a substance that stimulates
or improves the ability of the body's immune system to fight disease) that
interfers with the division of cancer cells, therefore slowing tumor growth.
Interferons are substances normally produced by the body but can by produced
in the laboratory.
- bone marrow transplantation
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