Healthy plasma cells help fight infections by producing proteins known as antibodies. Antibodies recognize and attack pathogens. Multiple myeloma is a malignancy that starts in a type of white blood cell known as a plasma cell. Multiple myeloma causes the accumulation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. The bone marrow is the soft tissue inside bones that produces blood cells. Cancer cells outnumber healthy blood cells in the bone marrow. Instead of producing beneficial antibodies, cancer cells produce proteins that do not work properly. This causes difficulties in multiple myeloma patients.
What are some symptoms to look out for?
Early in multiple myeloma, there may be no symptoms. When signs and symptoms occur, they may include:
- Bone discomfort, particularly in the spine, chest, and hips.
- Nausea.
- Constipation.
- Loss of appetite.
- Mental fog or a state of confusion
- Tiredness.
- Infections.
- Weight loss.
- Weakness.
- Thirst.
- Urinate frequently.
Myeloma’s cause is unknown. Healthy cells grow and die at regular intervals. Cancer cells do not adhere to these guidelines. They produce a large number of additional cells. When healthy cells die, the cells continue to exist. Myeloma causes cancer cells to accumulate in the bone marrow, crowding out healthy blood cells. This causes exhaustion and a decreased ability to fight infections. Myeloma cells, like normal plasma cells, continue to try to produce antibodies. However, the body is unable to utilize these antibodies, known as monoclonal proteins or M proteins. Instead, M proteins accumulate in the body and create issues such as renal damage. Myeloma cells can cause bone deterioration and raise the risk of fracture.
The following factors may raise the risk of multiple myeloma:
- Growing older: The majority of patients are diagnosed in their late sixties.
- Being male increases the risk of developing the condition compared to women.
- Have a family history of multiple myeloma: Having a brother or parent with multiple myeloma raises the chance of the disease.
Multiple myeloma, a plasma cell malignancy, has the potential to go unnoticed at first. Bone pain, weariness, infections, and changes in urine or thirst can all indicate the presence of the condition. Although the cause is unknown, age, gender, and family history may all have an impact on risk. Early detection is critical, so watch for these symptoms and get medical attention if you have any concerns.