Multiple Myeloma
Description
A cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. Healthy plasma cells help fight infections by making antibodies. In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and crowd out healthy blood cells. They produce abnormal proteins that can cause complications.
Common Symptoms
- Bone pain, especially in the spine or chest
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Mental fogginess or confusion
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Kidney problems or failure
Common Causes
- The cause is not known. It begins with one abnormal plasma cell in the bone marrow that multiplies rapidly. A pre-cancerous condition called MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) can progress to myeloma.
Treatment Information
While not typically curable, it is treatable. Treatments include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, and stem cell transplant to control the disease.
Important: This information is for educational purposes only.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.