Most who develop myeloma are over the age of 50.
01 | Introduction
Multiple myeloma is a rare form of blood cancer that affects plasma cells. Normally, healthy plasma cells help the body fight infections and create antibodies. Myeloma causes these plasma cells to build up in bone marrow, crowding healthy blood cells. As a result, the antibodies created don’t protect the body as intended and can lead to other complications.
02 | Symptoms & Complications
Some with multiple myeloma don’t have any symptoms, and if they do exist, they vary from patient to patient. For those with symptoms, they may experience:
Besides these symptoms, those with this cancer may experience other complications, including problems with their bones, kidneys and an increased risk of infections.
03 | Risk Factors
There are several factors that increase the risk of developing multiple myeloma. Those most at risk are:
04 | Treatment
Determining the best treatment depends on the patient and the progression of the disease. Like other cancers, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplants and other therapies may be used. However, myeloma is not curable. Treatment instead focuses on reducing symptoms, slowing the progression, and improving quality of life for patients.
Learn More
For more information on multiple myeloma and supportive resources, please visit hematology.org/myeloma.
References
https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/blood-cancers/myeloma
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/multiple-myeloma/about/key-statistics.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-myeloma/symptoms-causes/syc-20353378
