MULTIPLE MYELOMA

General Information

DEFINITION--A malignancy beginning in the plasma cells of the bone marrow. Plasma cells normally produce antibodies to help destroy germs and protect against infection. With myeloma, this function becomes impaired, and the body cannot deal effectively with infection.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Bone marrow of all bones, but most common in the thigh, back, pelvis or upper arms.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes, but most common in men between ages 50 and 70.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Pain in the affected bone. The pain is severe, boring and deep. If the bone collapses, pain spreads to other parts of the body.
• Weight loss.
• Symptoms of anemia, such as weakness, paleness, tiredness and breathlessness.

CAUSES--Unknown. The bone pain is caused by the cancerous abnormal plasma cells. The anemia is caused by damaged red blood cells and decreased platelets.

RISK INCREASES WITH-- Immunosuppression due to disease or drugs.

HOW TO PREVENT--No specific preventive measures.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory blood studies.
• Biopsy (See Glossary) of bone marrow.
• X-rays of painful bones.
• Plasmapheresis (See Glossary).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.
• Radiation therapy to relieve bone pain.
• Hospitalization in late stages.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Recurrent infections.
• Kidney failure.
• Spontaneous bleeding.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--This condition is currently considered incurable. However, pain can be relieved or controlled. Some persons live up to 5 years after symptoms appear, and medical literature cites a few instances of unexplained recovery. Scientific research into causes and treatment continues, so there is hope for increasingly effective treatment and cure.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• The more you can learn and understand about this disorder, the more you will be able to make informed decisions about where to go for your care, the treatments available, the risks involved, side effects of therapy and expected outcome.
• See Resources for Additional Information.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Anticancer and cortisone drugs (chemotherapy).
• Pain relievers.
• Antibiotics to fight infections.
• Blood transfusions if anemia becomes severe.

ACTIVITY--Stay as active as pain or bone complications allow.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of multiple myeloma.
• The following occurs during treatment: Fever. Any sign of infection (pain, swelling, redness, tenderness or warmth) anywhere in the body. Swelling of the feet and ankles. Urination discomfort or decreased urine output in 1 day. Unexplained bleeding from any part of the body.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.