Myeloma Cancer

What is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that starts in the plasma cells, which are white blood cells that produce antibodies to fight infection. In multiple myeloma, the plasma cells become abnormal and produce a large number of myeloma cells, which crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow.
Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma
The symptoms of multiple myeloma can vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms at all. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

Bone pain
Fatigue
Weakness
Weight loss
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Frequent infections
Swelling in the hands and feet
Vision problems

Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is diagnosed with a combination of blood tests, urine tests, and imaging tests. The blood tests can measure the levels of myeloma cells in the blood and urine. The imaging tests can show the extent of the disease in the bones.
Treatment of Multiple Myeloma
The treatment of multiple myeloma depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include:

Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Targeted therapy
Stem cell transplant
Immunotherapy

Prognosis of Multiple Myeloma
The prognosis of multiple myeloma varies depending on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health. With treatment, the average survival rate for patients with multiple myeloma is about 5 years. However, many patients live much longer than this.
Living with Multiple Myeloma
Living with multiple myeloma can be challenging, but there are many things you can do to improve your quality of life. These include:

Getting regular exercise
Eating a healthy diet
Getting enough sleep
Managing stress
Joining a support group

If you have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, it is important to talk to your doctor about your treatment options and lifestyle changes you can make to improve your quality of life.