Desk Report,
Multiple Myeloma: The Silent Killer Blood Disease
Multiple myeloma is a complex, but relatively little-known blood cancer that affects white blood cells called plasma cells.
Multiple Myeloma: The Silent Killer Blood Disease
Plasma cells are an important part of our body’s immune system. These cells fight infection by producing antibodies. But when these cells become cancerous, they start producing a type of unnecessary protein called M protein or monoclonal protein instead of effective antibodies, which damages various organs in the body. The disease usually begins in the bone marrow. Plasma cells in the bone marrow grow uncontrollably and take over the place of other healthy blood cells. This results in various complications in the patient’s body. Such as bone pain, anemia, repeated infections, kidney problems and weak bones that break. Sometimes the amount of calcium in the blood increases, causing symptoms such as mental confusion, nausea and excessive thirst. The symptoms of multiple myeloma usually appear gradually. As a result, it becomes difficult to detect in the early stages. Many people delay seeking treatment, assuming that bone pain or weakness is an age-related problem. However, if the disease can be detected at an early stage, there are many benefits in treatment. Some special tests are required to diagnose the disease, such as blood protein electrophoresis, urine test (presence of Bence Jones protein in urine), bone marrow biopsy, X-ray or MRI, and kidney and calcium levels. In advanced cases, flow cytometry and molecular tests are used to understand the type and progression of the disease. Treatment includes chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplant, radiotherapy and steroid therapy. Treatment depends on the patient’s age, physical condition and stage of the disease. Currently, many patients are able to live a good life in remission or control for a long time.
