Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that starts in plasma cells, which are a kind of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Plasma cells normally help your body fight infections by making antibodies. In multiple myeloma, these cells become abnormal and grow uncontrollably. (Cleveland Clinic)
What happens in the body?
The abnormal plasma cells:
- Build up in the bone marrow
- Crowd out healthy blood cells
- Produce harmful proteins called M proteins
- Can damage bones, kidneys, and the immune system (Cleveland Clinic)
Common symptoms
People may experience:
- Bone pain (especially back, ribs, hips)
- Weakness and tiredness
- Frequent infections
- Weight loss
- Anemia (low red blood cells)
- Kidney problems
- Broken or weakened bones (Mayo Clinic)
Doctors sometimes remember the main complications with the acronym CRAB:
- C – High Calcium
- R – Kidney (Renal) problems
- A – Anemia
- B – Bone damage (Healthline)
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause is not fully known, but it happens due to genetic changes in plasma cells. Risk increases with:
- Older age
- Family history
- Certain blood conditions like MGUS (Mayo Clinic)
How is it diagnosed?
Doctors may use:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Bone marrow biopsy
- X-rays, MRI, or CT scans (Harvard Health)
Treatment
There is currently no complete cure, but treatment can control the disease and help people live longer. Treatments may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Steroids
- Stem cell transplant
- Radiation therapy (Mayo Clinic)
If you want, I can also explain:
- Multiple myeloma in simple Sinhala
- Stages of the disease
- Early warning signs
- Survival rates
- Treatment side effects
- Difference between leukemia and multiple myeloma