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Myeloma

What is Myeloma?

Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine states that abnormal plasma cells multiply uncontrollably in the bone marrow, leading to weak bones and impaired immunity. The most common type is multiple myeloma, which affects multiple bone sites. An oncologist provides treatment for myeloma.

Incidence and Symptoms

Myeloma is more common in older adults and accounts for 10% of all blood cancers. Myeloma symptoms vary but often include:

  • Bone Pain: Persistent pain, especially in the spine, ribs, or hips.
  • Frequent Infections: Due to weakened immune function.
  • Fatigue and Weakness: Resulting from anemia.
  • Fractures and Bone Loss: Increased risk of fractures due to bone destruction.
  • Kidney Problems: Myeloma proteins damage kidney function.
  • Unexplained Weight Loss and Nausea.

Diagnosis of Myeloma

A myeloma specialist uses the following tests for early detection:

  • Blood and Urine Tests: Detect abnormal proteins (M proteins or light chains).
  • Bone Marrow Biopsy: Confirms cancerous plasma cells in bone marrow.
  • Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or PET scans identify bone damage.

Treatment for Myeloma

Treatment depends on disease severity and patient health.

1. Chemotherapy & Targeted Therapy

  • Traditional Chemotherapy: Kills myeloma cells.
  • Targeted Therapy: Uses drugs like proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib) to block cancer growth.

2. Immunotherapy

  • Enhances the immune system to fight myeloma cells.

3. Stem Cell Transplant

  • Autologous Stem Cell Transplant: Uses the patient’s own healthy stem cells to rebuild bone marrow after chemotherapy.

4. Radiation Therapy

  • Used for localized bone pain or tumor control.

5. Supportive Care

  • Bone-strengthening drugs (bisphosphonates) reduce fractures.
  • Plasma exchange therapy helps remove excess myeloma proteins.

Why Choose An Oncologist At Aster Hospitals?

Aster Hospitals offers expert myeloma specialists and an oncologist equipped with advanced diagnostics and cutting-edge therapies like stem cell transplants and targeted drugs. Our multidisciplinary team ensures personalized treatment, comprehensive pain management, and long-term follow-up to improve the quality of life.

 

FAQ's

Want to find out more about the treatment? The answer to your questions can be found below.

What are the early symptoms of myeloma?

Early signs include persistent bone pain, fatigue, frequent infections, and unexplained weight loss. Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes.

What are the best treatment options for myeloma?

Treatment includes chemotherapy, targeted therapy, stem cell transplant, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, depending on disease progression and patient health.

How does myeloma affect the bones?

Myeloma cells weaken bones, causing fractures, pain, and osteoporosis. Bone-strengthening drugs help reduce damage.

How is myeloma diagnosed by specialists?

A myeloma is diagnosed by an oncologist who performs blood tests, urine analysis, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging scans like MRI or PET to confirm and stage the disease.

Can myeloma be cured?

There is no permanent cure, but modern treatments help achieve long-term remission, improving survival and quality of life.

Why is follow-up care important after myeloma treatment?

Regular follow-ups ensure disease monitoring, manage side effects, and adjust treatment plans for the best long-term outcomes.

Why is follow-up care important after myeloma treatment?

Why is follow-up care important after myeloma treatment?

Regular follow-ups ensure disease monitoring, manage side effects, and adjust treatment plans for the best long-term outcomes.

No
Weight
5000
Health Conditions
Show on doctor listing page
False
Show on Specialities listing page
False

How does myeloma affect the bones?

How does myeloma affect the bones?

Myeloma cells weaken bones, causing fractures, pain, and osteoporosis. Bone-strengthening drugs help reduce damage.

No
Weight
5000
Health Conditions
Show on doctor listing page
False
Show on Specialities listing page
False

Can myeloma be cured?

Can myeloma be cured?

There is no permanent cure, but modern treatments help achieve long-term remission, improving survival and quality of life.

No
Weight
5000
Health Conditions
Show on doctor listing page
False
Show on Specialities listing page
False

What are the best treatment options for myeloma?

What are the best treatment options for myeloma?

Treatment includes chemotherapy, targeted therapy, stem cell transplant, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, depending on disease progression and patient health.

No
Weight
5000
Health Conditions
Show on doctor listing page
False
Show on Specialities listing page
False

How is myeloma diagnosed by specialists?

How is myeloma diagnosed by specialists?

A myeloma is diagnosed by an oncologist who performs blood tests, urine analysis, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging scans like MRI or PET to confirm and stage the disease.

No
Weight
5000
Health Conditions
Show on doctor listing page
False
Show on Specialities listing page
False

What are the early symptoms of myeloma?

What are the early symptoms of myeloma?

Early signs include persistent bone pain, fatigue, frequent infections, and unexplained weight loss. Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes.

No
Weight
5000
Health Conditions
Show on doctor listing page
False
Show on Specialities listing page
False

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