Multiple myeloma is cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. Healthy plasma cells help you fight infections

There was a time not very long ago when a multiple myeloma diagnosis was considered a dead end.

However, with recent advances in oncology and general medicine, this is no longer the case. That

being said, Multiple Myeloma is not a disease to be taken lightly and the survival of a patient depends

largely on early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and medication.

While the incidence of the disease remains low in India, at 1.1 cases per 100000 individuals as

compared to over 4 over 100000 in North America, there has been a significant rise in cases over the

last five years, specially so in metropolitan cities. It must be noted that while research on the disease

and its causes is going on across the world, there is no sure shot cure known to us. However, with

proper care and medication, a patient can live a relative normal life after diagnosis

What is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a condition wherein a type of White blood cells called Plasma cells, get affected

by cancer. Healthy Plasma cells help fight infections by making antibodies that recognize and attack

germs and infections. But in Multiple Myeloma, cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone

marrow that crowd out healthy plasma cells thereby hindering production of healthy blood in the

body and affecting immunity and resistance of the body.

Symptoms

Following are the most common symptoms of Multiple Myeloma – Bone pain, specially in chest and

spine, Nausea, Constipation, Weight loss, Frequent infections and loss of appetite. The median age

of patients suffering from this disease in India is 55 years. If these symptoms are observed in a

patient in this age or thereabouts, medical advice should be sought immediately. Remember, early

detection greatly increases the chances of survival in a patient.

In many cases, prima facie a patient may show signs of anemia in the early stages of the diseases.

Sadly, a lot of patients ignore anemia as an easily treatable disease. Keep in mind that anemia can be

a symptom of Multiple Myeloma and ignoring it can lead to disastrous results.

Treatment

Treatment options for Multiple Myeloma have increases greatly over time. There are various

medications available for treating the disease and managing it, if not to cure it permanently. Speak

to your doctor today to know more