Multiple myeloma (patient information)

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What is multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells that is a type of white blood cell. The exact cause of multiple myeloma is not known. Epidemiological data suggest that it is more common in older people and African-Americans. Usual symptoms may include bone pain, broken bones, weakness or fatigue, weight loss and repeated infections. Multiple myeloma is hard to cure. Treatments include chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation and radiation. The prognosis is poor.

How do I know if I have multiple myeloma and what are the symptoms of multiple myeloma?

Early multiple myeloma does not have any symptoms. As the tumor grows larger, people may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

• Bone pain
• Broken bones
• Numbness and/or muscle weakness
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Edema in legs

Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

Who is at risk for multiple myeloma?

While the exact cause of multiple myeloma is not known, clinical data has suggested that the development of multiple myeloma is related to several factors.

• Age: Age is the biggest risk factor for multiple myeloma. Most cases are found in people older than 65.
• Plasma cell diseases: Studies show patients with other plasma cell diseases will develop multiple myeloma later.
• Radiation exposure: Cases reports demonstrate exposure to radiation may increase the risk of multiple myeloma.
• Exposure on oil-related industries: Some studies suggest that workers in some oil-related industries may be at a higher risk.
• Family history: Some data suggest multiple myeloma seems to run in some families. But most patients have no other relatives with the disease.
• Life-style: A study by the American Cancer Society found that being overweight increases a person's risk of developing multiple myeloma.
• Race: Epidemiological data show multiple myeloma is almost twice as common among black Americans as white Americans.
• Gender: Men are slightly more likely to get multiple myeloma than women.

Where to find medical care for multiple myeloma?

Directions to Hospitals Treating multiple myeloma

Copyleft Sources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/multiplemyeloma.html

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_1x.asp?dt=30