Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects a specific part of your body’s immune system called plasma cells. To explain it simply:
What Are Plasma Cells?
Plasma cells are a kind
of white blood cell found in your bone marrow, which is the soft, spongy tissue
inside your bones. These cells are part of your immune system and help protect
you from infections by making antibodies, which are proteins that fight off
germs.
What Happens in Multiple Myeloma?
In multiple myeloma,
these plasma cells start growing out of control. Instead of making healthy
antibodies, they multiply too much and produce abnormal proteins that can’t
fight infections properly. This overcrowding in the bone marrow can also
prevent your body from making enough healthy blood cells.
Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma
- Bone Pain: Because multiple myeloma affects the bones, it often causes pain, especially in the back, ribs, or hips.
- Weakness and Fatigue: You might feel very tired or weak because your body isn’t producing enough healthy red blood cells (this condition is called anemia).
- Frequent Infections: Since the abnormal plasma cells don’t fight infections well, you might get sick more often.
- Bone Fractures: The bones become weaker, so they’re more likely to break.
- Kidney Problems: The abnormal proteins can damage your kidneys, which filter waste from your blood.
Why Is It Called “Multiple” Myeloma?
It’s called “multiple”
myeloma because it often affects multiple areas in the bones at the same time,
rather than just one spot.
How Is Multiple Myeloma Diagnosed?
Doctors might use a
combination of blood tests, urine tests, bone marrow biopsies, and imaging
tests like X-rays or MRIs to diagnose multiple myeloma. These tests help them
see how many abnormal plasma cells are present, where they are, and how they’re
affecting the body.
Treatment Options
While there isn’t a cure
for multiple myeloma, treatments can help manage the disease and improve
quality of life. Treatment options include:
- Medications: There are drugs that can help control the growth of the abnormal plasma cells.
- Chemotherapy: This treatment uses strong medications to kill cancer cells.
- Stem Cell Transplant: In some cases, doctors may replace the damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
- Radiation Therapy: This uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells in specific areas of the body.
Living with Multiple Myeloma
Many people with multiple
myeloma can live fulfilling lives with the right treatment and care. It’s
important to work closely with healthcare providers to manage symptoms and
maintain a good quality of life.
Summary
Multiple
myeloma is a cancer that affects the bone marrow and weakens the body’s ability
to fight infections and maintain healthy bones. While serious, treatments are
available that can help manage the disease.
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