Symptoms and Risks for Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, occurs in the plasma cells in the blood. The myeloid cells start multiplying in an irregular pattern, causing the birth of many unhealthy cells. With the increase in numbers, the antibodies produced by healthy cells cannot compete with the cancerous ones. The excess amount of irregular cells starts spreading all over the body and accumulate in some regions. This, in turn, causes tumors called multiple myeloma. The gradation of these cells is calculated through the different stages of multiple myeloma.
The symptoms of multiple myeloma
Like every other cancer, people suffering from multiple myeloma show signs that help diagnose the disease. The symptoms in the early stages are almost not noticeable but, sometimes, they can be noticed.
The symptoms for the different stages of multiple myeloma include:
- People suffering from the different stages of multiple myeloma face problems with their appetite. They feel full, which makes eating difficult, causing them to lose weight as well.
- They feel weak and tired constantly, which is accompanied by a degree of restlessness.
- People with multiple myeloma show symptoms of pain in the bones.
- The problems in the immune system make them more susceptible to infections and nausea.
- In multiple myeloma, kidney function is severely affected. This causes problems like decreased or increased amounts of urination. They also feel excessively thirsty.
Risk factors
When speaking of the different stages of multiple myeloma, certain risk factors are to be considered. They are:
- Reports show that this condition occurs mainly in men over the age of 45.
- This condition appears mostly in men than women.
- People with other plasma-related problems are more susceptible to this condition.
- It is less prominent in Caucasian adults and more common in African Americans.
- This disease can be seen in people who have been exposed to radiation.
- People who have a higher weight are more likely to get this problem.
- Working in different industries, such as the petroleum industry, leather industry, agricultural industry, and cosmetology industry have a higher risk of contamination.
Is multiple myeloma curable?
There are various methods available to treat this disease. Sadly, it has no permanent cure. The treatment methods for cancer like chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy are prescribed by doctors. Surgery can even work if the cancer is in its early stages. But, the different stages of multiple myeloma are entirely incurable. The treatment methods provided can improve the condition of living and add a few years to their life span.
Multiple myeloma is a dangerous kind of blood cancer that affects people. Early diagnosis is the most important requirement to lead a somewhat healthy life.