A form of bone cancer centering its growth in the bone marrow.
A malignant tumour in bone marrow, most often affecting flat bones.
Malignant neoplasm of bone marrow, causing bone pain and fractures, skeletal deformities, anemia, weight loss, and pulmonary and kidney complications.
A form of cancer in which the body develops plasma cell tumors that invade the bone marrow and weaken and destroy bony structures such as the ribs, spine, pelvis, and skull. Principal symptoms include pain and fracture of affected bones.
A cancer of the plasma cells. Normal plasma cells are found in the bone marrow and are the part of the body’s immune system that produces antibodies. Abnormal plasma cells cause several problems. They compromise the body’s ability to fight infections. By multiplying excessively, they reduce the ability of the bone marrow to function properly. Myeloma cells attack and weaken surrounding bone, causing pain and fractures, resulting in elevated calcium levels. The disease can also interfere with kidney function and cause renal failure.
A malignant disease characterized by infiltration of the bone marrow by cancerous plasma cells. These cells produce excessive levels of monoclonal immunoglobulins, antibodies that are normally made by plasma cells to recognize foreign antigens and fight infection. In myeloma, inadequate production of normal antibodies makes patients susceptible to infection. Tumors composed of malignant plasma cells also grow within the skeleton, making bones fragile and prone to fracture.
An infrequent malignant condition, alternatively referred to as myelomatosis, characterized by the uncontrolled multiplication and malfunctioning of plasma cells within the bone marrow. This disorder is more prevalent among older individuals.
Plasma cells belong to the B-lymphocyte category and are responsible for generating immunoglobulins that aid in defending against infections. In cases of multiple myeloma, the rapidly multiplying plasma cells generate excessive quantities of a specific type of immunoglobulin, leading to a diminished production of other types. This situation increases the susceptibility to infections.
The abnormal cells multiplying within the bone marrow result in discomfort and the deterioration of bone tissue. Affected vertebrae could crumble, exerting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves and inducing numbness or paralysis. The destruction of bone contributes to elevated calcium levels in the bloodstream, accompanied by potential increases in one or more immunoglobulins. These shifts in blood composition can lead to kidney impairment, potentially resulting in kidney failure. Additionally, anemia and a propensity for unusual bleeding might also manifest.
The illness is identified through a bone marrow biopsy, blood assessments, urinalysis, and X-rays. Therapeutic approaches encompass radiotherapy for localized bone accumulations to alleviate pain and lower fracture risks, as well as anticancer medications to retard the disease’s progression. Management also entails addressing related complications like kidney dysfunction. Supportive strategies involve blood transfusions, antibiotics, and pain-relieving medications. However, it’s important to note that no treatment offers a complete cure.
The prognosis for multiple myeloma differs based on the severity of the condition. Certain individuals experience periods of wellness spanning months or years, followed by an acceleration in the advancement of the disease.