What is MULTIPLE MYELOMA

The term Multiple Myeloma (or MM) is the name for a type of cancer of the blood. The prefix myelo- means bone marrow and is the term identified with this condition because blood cells are generated in the bone marrow. This particular cancer is associated with white blood cells, which are a crucial part of the immune system. Due to the connection to the immune system this particular condition can have symptoms that are varied, and often the same as symptoms for other conditions due to their systemic nature. Because of this issue it is often hard to diagnose this particular condition. It is also generally considered an incurable condition, though it is possible to bring the condition into remission through such things as steriod treatments, chemotherapy and stem cell transplants.

Among the symptoms that can be caused by MM are the following: bone pains, infection, kidney failure, anemia, and neurological issues. Bone pains caused by MM are generally centralized in the area of the ribs and the spine, with pain increasing with activity. Sometimes these problems in the spine lead to spinal cord compression and issues associated with this condition. Infections that MM commonly causes are pneumonia and pyelonephritis, increased risk of infection is created by immune deficiency brought on as a part of MM. Renal failure due to MM is commonly brought on by hypercalcemia, or an increasing level of calcium in the blood as the bones break down. Anemia caused by MM occurs when the normal bone marrow in the bones is replaced by the infiltration of tumor cells. Issues of the neurological order are also brought on by hypercalcemia, which can lead to weakness, confusion and fatigue. Changes in the viscosity of the blood may also lead to headaches and visual changes.

While diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma may be difficult, due to the danger of the condition its symptoms should be taken seriously. While most or all of the symptoms that present from MM may be caused by other issues, if these have been ruled out then efforts should be undertaken to ascertain whether or not this blood cancer is the cause.