Myeloma

What is myeloma?

Myeloma or multiple myeloma is cancer that develops in plasma cells. These white blood cells make antibodies, helping your immune system destroy potentially harmful germs and infections that invade your body. Cancer cells grow rapidly and don’t have the limited lifespan of normal cells due to a genetic mutation.

With myeloma, the cancerous cells collect in your bone marrow, leaving insufficient room for healthy blood cells. Instead of producing antibodies, abnormal proteins form that reduce your immune system capabilities, leaving you vulnerable to infections.

The root cause of myeloma is unclear, but several risk factors increase your chances of developing the disease, such as older age, being male, and a family history of myeloma.

Having a condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) can also increase your risk of myeloma. MGUS is a noncancerous disorder where your blood contains high levels of certain proteins.

What symptoms does myeloma cause?

Myeloma symptoms may be mild in some people and severe in others. In its early stages, you might have no symptoms, but as the disease progresses, you could experience:

• Excessive thirst
• Chronic fatigue
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Confusion or brain fog
• Leg weakness or numbness
• Frequent infections
• Bone pain, especially in the spine and chest

Advanced Cancer Care of New Jersey, PC, can confirm your myeloma diagnosis using a urine or blood test, diagnostic imaging such as a CT scan or MRI, or a bone marrow biopsy to determine the cancer’s stage.

Using your test results, Dr. Shah designs a treatment plan to destroy the cancer cells and prevent them from spreading to other parts of your body.

How is myeloma treated?

Myeloma that isn’t causing symptoms might not require immediate treatment. Dr. Shah can monitor your condition and begin any treatment when it becomes necessary. If you’re experiencing symptoms or the myeloma is worsening, you could benefit from treatments such as:

• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy

Advanced myeloma might require a bone marrow transplant. This involves removing the diseased marrow from your bones and replacing it with stem cells that generate new healthy bone marrow.

In addition to targeting the myeloma itself, you may require treatments for specific complications. This might involve having vaccines to protect you from flu and other infections or medications to strengthen your bones.

To find out more about myeloma and get the most advanced treatments available, call Advanced Cancer Care of New Jersey, PC, today or book an appointment online.