Blood cancer occurs when the body’s bone marrow produces abnormal cells, causing the blood to become full of those cells. Myeloma blood cancer is a cancer of the plasma cell, a type of white blood cell, the immune system, the part of the body responsible for producing antibodies in the blood that help protect against foreign invaders. In myeloma, these plasma cells multiply rapidly and do not respond to normal regulatory signals.
Blood cancers, such as ma myeloma, affect white blood cells, which are part of the immune system. Myeloma is caused by the abnormal growth of plasma cells, which produce antibodies and help the immune system fight infection. Myeloma begins in the bone marrow and grows in the soft tissue near the bones.
Myeloma blood cancer is a malignant tumor that affects the cells of the bone marrow. It usually occurs when many clones of the same myeloma cell circulate in the bloodstream. It is an advanced disease that generally develops in older people, although it can occur at any age. Most patients have anemia (low red blood cell count) caused by a lack of normal blood cells. Some also have excessive white blood cells or platelets, which causes inflammation.
What is myeloma blood cancer?
Myeloma blood cancer is a disease that occurs when the body’s bone marrow produces abnormal cells, causing the blood to become full of those cells. These abnormal cells then grow and multiply, filling the bone marrow with more of the same cells. As a result of this growth, the body produces abnormal amounts of proteins called paraproteins in the blood. These proteins can cause the immune system to attack the bone marrow, resulting in bone pain and fractures and weakening the immune system. Myeloma blood cancer can also affect other parts of the body. This is why the term multiple myeloma is used to describe the condition.
What are the types of myeloma blood cancer?
Myeloma blood cancer is classified into three types based on the appearance of the cells within the blood. The most common type of myeloma blood cancer is multiple myeloma. It has been estimated that around 20,000 people are diagnosed with this type of myeloma yearly. It mainly affects older adults, and about 75% of people diagnosed with multiple myeloma are over 65. The second type of myeloma blood cancer is monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). It is more common than various myeloma but less common than smoldering multiple myeloma. It is estimated that there are about 50,000 cases of MGUS each year. Smoldering multiple myeloma is a less aggressive form of multiple myeloma and is the least common form of myeloma blood cancer. There are estimated to be about 20,000 cases of smoldering multiple myeloma each year.
What are the symptoms of myeloma and blood cancer?
Symptoms of myeloma blood cancer include fatigue, weakness, and weight loss. Patients can develop anemia and thrombocytopenia when the bone marrow stops producing enough healthy red blood cells and platelets. Several other problems, including low levels of calcium in the blood, high levels of creatinine, and high levels of C-reactive protein, usually accompany these symptoms.
Myeloma is the most common type of leukemia. It starts when plasma cells, a variety of white blood cell that produces antibodies, begin to grow abnormally in the bone marrow. Plasma cells normally have antibodies to help fight infection. However, they form tumors called plasmacytomas when they continue to grow and multiply without being stopped by the body’s normal immune system. Myeloma usually affects older adults. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with myeloma than women. Most people diagnosed with myeloma have a history of smoking or drinking alcohol.
Treatment for myeloma blood cancer
The treatment of myeloma and blood cancer can be very challenging. It usually requires a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, stem cell transplant, and radiotherapy. If the tumor is not treated, it will continue to grow and spread throughout the body. The patient must be monitored closely for any signs of relapse. Myeloma is not curable, but new therapies can prolong survival.
The extent of the disease determines the treatment of myeloma at diagnosis and the age and general health of the patient. The most common treatment for newly diagnosed patients is chemotherapy in combination with steroids. Sometimes, high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplant is also given. This may involve an operation to remove the bone marrow where the cancer cells have spread. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
How do myeloma and blood cancer affect the body?
Myeloma is the most common type of blood cancer, affecting about 20,000 people in the UK each year. Myeloma is a disease that affects the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. The resulting disease is myeloma, which occurs when the bone marrow produces abnormal cells. Myeloma is a slow-growing cancer that takes time for symptoms to develop. Because it’s cancer, it needs to be treated by medical professionals, and blood tests will show if it’s there. The aim is to treat it before it spreads. It is possible to catch myeloma early, so it can often be treated successfully.
Frequently asked questions about myeloma blood cancer
Q: How does having blood cancer impact your life?
A: There are days when it’s hard to deal with, but I have my family and friends by my side.
Q: What challenges have you had since you were diagnosed?
A: Since my diagnosis, I have had a lot of side effects. I have had to learn how to deal with pain and fatigue. Getting better is a long process, but I am glad I found my doctor.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who has cancer?
A: Don’t let cancer take away your life. Be strong and positive.
Myths about myeloma blood cancer
1. The only cure is a bone marrow transplant.
2. Blood cancer is always fatal.
3. The only cure is a bone marrow transplant.
Conclusion
There are many types of blood cancers, but most are fairly rare. However, myeloma is one of the most common types of blood cancer. It’s not necessarily rare because it’s a type of cancer that tends to affect older people, but also because of the available treatments. While it’s a rare disease, it’s still relatively common.
