Multiple Myeloma Bone Cancer
Multiple myeloma bone cancer – Multiple myeloma is a cancer unique of plasma cells which attack and destroy bone. Because of the complexity, this disease can be difficult to diagnose and often lead to treatment recommendations differ from doctor. The term “multiple myeloma” comes from the bone marrow of some areas, which usually affects of the disease (which in itself is the result of an increased number of plasma cells malignant in the bone marrow). As the cells plasma cells antibodies, the patient has a high level of one type of antibodies called M-proteins in the blood and / or urine. These patients often have a decrease in the number of blood cells and a decrease in the number of antibodies to normal, which often affect the immune system.
Multiple Myeloma Bone Cancer
The accumulation of plasma cells in bone or correction can lead to swelling which leads to a decrease in bone strength. Broken bones, as well as bone pain significant usually occurs in multiple myeloma as a direct result of the loss of bone strength.
How to treat multiple myeloma?
the disease progresses at different rates depending on the patient and at this time no known treatment. Despite this fact, the myeloma responds well to treatment, and the results are always improved. current treatment aims to control disease and symptoms that help to reduce the patients a better quality of life. Depending on the individual circumstances, treatment may include chemical stabilization of the body and the immune system, radiation and / or surgery to relieve discomfort and improve function and, finally, chemotherapy and radiation to help slow or stop the course of the disease and induce remission. Because multiple myeloma is a complex disease that can often be resistant to chemotherapy.
See also: Multiple Myeloma Bone Lesions Prognosis
Who is at risk?
About 1,000 people worldwide are diagnosed every day with multiple myeloma. This disease occurs most frequently in people of middle age or older, and is more common in men than women, African-Americans more than white people. Although the cause of multiple myeloma is not sure, exposure to pesticides, petroleum products and nuclear radiation are considered important initiating factors. the median survival is about 5-6 years, depending on the condition of the disease.
What disease?
There are 4 levels of state of myeloma such as (starting with the lowest risk):
- MGUs: Diagnose when the M (myeloma) is a protein in the body, but no myeloma or symptoms of the disease double. Treatment is usually not needed or recommended at this stage. There is a probability of 1% per year, which is a situation that will developed associated with a disease that requires treatment. An analogy would be how HIV can turn into AIDS. You can have the HIV virus, but do not develop AIDS.
- Myeloma asymptomatic: This slow progression of the disease, causing anemia that is mild, initial damage to the bones and susceptibility to infections. The patient requires immediate attention and processing to a minimum.
- Plasmacytoma: It is usually detected when a group of plasma cells abnormally grow in the bone local or soft tissue. This can lead to the development of various tumors or tumors (e.g., multiple myeloma). Radiation therapy is a common treatment. Rarely is surgical removal of the tumor possible.
Myeloma symptoms or active (stage II or III myeloma)
- Damage to experience bone pain a bone or a fracture or rotting bone
- Anemia (decrease in red blood cell production) of patient feel tired and weak
- a high level of protein in the blood or urine, the patient suffers from circulation
- kidney disease, calcium high blood (cause damage to the bones) the feeling -patsient confusion, dehydration, constipation, weakness and fatigue
- A weakened immune system, patients become more susceptible to infection