Unravel the complexities of Myeloma, a rare blood cancer. Discover treatment options, support networks, and research advancements in this specialized field.
What is Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection. It is the second most common blood cancer, after non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The median age at diagnosis is 69 years, and it is more common in men than women. African Americans are also more likely to develop myeloma than whites.
Myeloma cells produce a protein called monoclonal protein, which can build up in the blood and urine and cause a variety of symptoms, including bone pain, fatigue, weight loss, and kidney problems. Myeloma can also lead to anemia, a condition in which the blood does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.1
The exact cause of myeloma is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some risk factors for myeloma include exposure to radiation, certain chemicals, and a family history of the disease.
Myeloma: A Deeper Dive
Myeloma is a complex disease that can affect many different parts of the body. The most common symptom of myeloma is bone pain, which can occur in the back, ribs, hips, or skull. Myeloma can also cause fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, and kidney problems. In some cases, myeloma can lead to anemia, a condition in which the blood does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.
Myeloma is diagnosed with a variety of tests, including blood tests, urine tests, and bone marrow biopsies. Treatment for myeloma typically involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. The goal of treatment is to kill myeloma cells and prevent them from coming back.2
Myeloma is a serious disease, but it is important to remember that there are many treatment options available. With the right treatment, many people with myeloma are able to live long and full lives.
Myeloma: Key Facts
Here are some key facts about myeloma:
- Myeloma is the second most common blood cancer, after non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Myeloma is a relatively rare cancer, with an estimated 32,000 new cases and 12,500 deaths in the United States in 2022.
- The median age at diagnosis is 69 years, and it is more common in men than women.
- African Americans are also more likely to develop myeloma than whites.
- The exact cause of myeloma is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
- Some risk factors for myeloma include exposure to radiation, certain chemicals, and a family history of the disease.
- Myeloma is diagnosed with a variety of tests, including blood tests, urine tests, and bone marrow biopsies.
- Treatment for myeloma typically involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.
- The goal of treatment is to kill myeloma cells and prevent them from coming back.
- Myeloma is a serious disease, but it is important to remember that there are many treatment options available.
- With the right treatment, many people with myeloma are able to live long and full lives.
Learn More About Myeloma
If you would like to learn more about myeloma, there are a number of resources available online. The American Cancer Society, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation are all good sources of information about myeloma. You can also find information about myeloma from your doctor or nurse.