MULTIPLE MYELOMA

(Plasma Cell Myeloma)

 Basic information

description

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells of the bone marrow. Plasma cells normally help the body destroy germs and protect against infection. It is called multiple because it usually occurs in many bones in the body. It can affect the bone marrow of all bones but is most common in the thigh, back, pelvis, or upper arms. Older adults are more often affected and men more than women.

FREQUENT 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 and/or infections or bleeding.
• Symptoms of anemia, such as weakness, paleness, tiredness, and breathlessness.

causes

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

risk increases with

• Older adults.
• Other plasma cell disease (e.g., MUGA).
• Exposure to certain chemicals and radiation.
• A few patients have family history of myeloma.
• Obesity; African Americans; certain viruses.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures.

expected outcomes

Treatment can help with the symptoms and improve quality of life. There is no cure. Some patients live up to 5 years or more after symptoms appear. Temporary remissions may occur with treatment. Research into causes and treatment continues, so there is hope for more effective treatment and cure.

possible complications

• Recurrent infections, anemia, or hypercalcemia.
• Kidney failure or heart failure.
• Spontaneous bleeding.
• Bone fractures or paralysis.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and activities. Different medical tests are done to verify the diagnosis and to determine if the cancer has spread to other places in the body (called staging).
• Treatment will depend on the stage of the disease, your health, age, and preferences. Your health care provider will discuss the options and their risks and benefits. All treatments have numerous side effects.
• Watchful waiting is usually recommended if there are no symptoms. This means monitoring the cancer cells for a period of time before deciding on treatment.
• Treatment may involve chemotherapy and other drug therapy, stem cell transplantation, radiation, treatment as needed for complications, and supportive care.
• Treatment may involve steps to relieve symptoms and make you comfortable, rather than treating the cancer.
• Counseling may help you cope with having cancer.
• To learn more: International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Dr., Suite 206, North Hollywood, CA 91607; (800) 452-2873; website: www.myeloma.org or Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Ave., 5th Flr, Norwalk, CT 06851; (203) 229-0464 (not toll-free); website: www.multiplemyeloma.org.

medications

• Your health care provider may prescribe:
  • Anticancer (chemotherapy) and cortisone drugs.
  • Bisphosphonates for bone healing.
  • Pain relievers.
  • Antibiotics for infections.
  • Blood transfusions, if anemia becomes severe.
  • Drugs to treat hypercalcemia (too much calcium).
  • Other drugs may be prescribed depending on the response to initial therapy, for relapses, and to prevent or treat complications.

activity

• Stay as active as pain or bone complications allow.
• Your health care provider can help plan an exercise program to maintain strength and flexibility.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of multiple myeloma.
• The following occur during treatment: fever, any sign of infection, swelling of the feet and ankles, urination problems, or unexplained bleeding.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop.

Special Notes: