According to a 16-year analysis (1990–2016) on the mortality rates of cancer, 1/1,00,000 people in India develop myeloma.
This cancer disrupts the delicate balance of plasma cells in the bone marrow as it rapidly multiplies and displaces healthy blood cells.
We can increase awareness of myeloma by gaining a better understanding of what causes this disease and the treatment options available to overcome it.
What is Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is cancer that damages plasma cells (B-cells), which are essential for fighting infection in our immune system.
Common symptoms of myeloma include bone pain, fatigue, frequent infections, weakness, and weight loss.
As the disease progresses, it can contribute to kidney problems, bone damage, and anaemia.
Myeloma Symptoms
The following are typical symptoms of multiple myeloma:
- Chest or spine pain
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Mental fogginess or confusion
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Weight loss
- Weakness or numbness in your legs
- Excessive thirst
Multiple Myeloma Causes
The precise cause of unusual plasma cell myeloma is unknown.
Environmental factors combined with genetic predispositions may lead to the symptoms of myeloma. People must undergo regular monitoring and early identification for effective management of multiple myeloma.
How Myeloma Affects the Body
Here are some ways myeloma can affect the body.
1. Abnormal Plasma Cells
An overabundance of aberrant plasma cells in the bone marrow interferes with forming regular blood cells, resulting in anaemia, a weaker immune system, and increased susceptibility to infections.
2. Myeloma Cells
Myeloma cells can also create abnormal proteins known as monoclonal proteins or M proteins, which can affect kidney function and cause a variety of issues.
3. Overactivity of Cells
Overactivity of myeloma cells can weaken bones, rendering them prone to fractures and causing bone pain and skeletal abnormalities.
Myeloma cells can also impact other organs and tissues, including the liver, neurological system, and soft tissues, resulting in a variety of symptoms.
Myeloma Diagnosis
Myeloma diagnosis can be difficult due to the existence of unclear symptoms that might overlap with other illnesses, as well as the heterogeneity of symptoms across people.
However, several tests can help doctors make a correct diagnosis. These include blood and urine tests, bone marrow biopsies, imaging investigations, scans, X-rays, and genome sequencing.
These diagnostic techniques give critical information about the severity of the condition, allowing healthcare practitioners to make an accurate diagnosis and devise an effective treatment strategy.
Also Read : 7 Strategies for Cancer Prevention
Prognosis
Several factors, including symptoms, age, overall health, staging, and other pertinent situations, impact prognosis.
Blood tests, bone marrow testing, urine tests, chromosomal analysis, and other prognostic markers give important information about the body’s status and assist in prognosis.
Treatment Options
While there is no cure for multiple myeloma, several therapy options can help manage the disease.
Your doctor will work with you to create a unique myeloma treatment plan that may involve stem cell transplants, pharmacological therapy, clinical trial participation, experimental therapies, and supportive care.
These treatments, which rely on the specifics of your illness and how it affects your body, are constantly changing as a result of ongoing research into highly promising new medications.
Also Read : Cancer Treatment Cost in India: What You Need To Know
Combat Myeloma with Ayu Health: Leading Healthcare Provider in India
Myeloma can impact an individual’s life and needs to be addressed with professional medical care.
At Ayu Health, we use the latest technologies that allow us to serve patients at lower costs, provide a better experience, and maintain high-quality standards.
With a highly-experienced oncology team by our side, we help you with everything from preoperative assessments to postoperative care.
Book a consultation with our doctors by calling +91 6366-100-800 or by visiting our website.
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Oncology Surgery Hospitals in Bangalore | Oncology Surgery Hospitals in Jaipur | Oncology Surgery Hospitals in NCR | Oncology Surgery Hospitals in Hyderabad
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References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30219626/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9468879/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK66001/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31582582/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6243346/
https://ayu.health/blog/is-blood-cancer-curable/
About the Author
Dr. Shivakumar Uppala
Dr. Shivakumar Uppala is renowned as one of the best Cancer Specialist Doctors in the country, has performed more than 500 surgeries till now, and is an experienced surgical oncologist as well as a consultant. He is practicing at Ayu Health, Bangalore. He is a specialist in Surgical Oncology and MS - General Surgery Laparoscopic Surgeon.