Multiple myeloma is a type of leukemia or blood cancer and occurs in the plasma or the white blood cells that usually produce antibodies to fight infection. However, due to the building up of cancerous cells, they get accumulated near the bone marrow by multiplying uncontrollably and eventually do not form antibodies to fight the infections.

The cancerous cells start releasing too much protein which is termed as immunoglobulin into the blood and bones of the body. An individual’s blood is likely to be filled with these proteins and eventually, their organs are damaged too. Bone loss and kidney complications are quite common in such cases, with the chances of acute anemia too.

Similar to any other type of cancer, this as well requires immediate treatment; the earlier, the better. There are a number of treatments are available to cure this condition, although, initially one might not require any treatment, however, as the symptoms start to show, one needs to get treated immediately.

Causes of multiple myeloma
The reason as to why multiple myeloma is caused is yet to be discovered but there are a number of risk factors associated with the disease. Alongside, there are many other things that enhance the risk of developing cancer too.

The most likely situations under which one can develop multiple myeloma are as follows:

• An individual above 65 years of age is under the risk of getting multiple myeloma.
• Secondly, an African-American native is also likely to develop this type of cancer.
• If there is a family history of this type of cancer, then by heredity, one can easily get it.
• If someone is already diagnosed with plasma disease called solitary plasmacytoma, he/she has the risk of developing cancer in plasma cells later.
• Excessive exposure to radiation is also likely to cause multiple myeloma in individuals.
• People employed in the petroleum industry have a higher risk of developing this plasma cancer over time.
• Lastly, another disease called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) can also lead to cancer in the plasma cells.

Women are at more risk compared to men. The myeloma cells tend to produce abnormal antibodies at this stage and get accumulated in the bone marrow. As a result, the body struggles to fight the infections leading to weakness and fatigue.

Symptoms of multiple myeloma
Although there are no initial symptoms of multiple myeloma, the signs gradually are visible when cancer persists for a longer time. These signs include pain in the bones, specifically chest and in the spine since the plasma cells get accumulated in the bones itself. Therefore, one is prone to further infections as the body becomes susceptible and incapable of fighting infections.

Other symptoms include fatigue, numbness, and weakness in the legs. There is a loss of appetite, but increased thirst. As a result, the weight of the individual is decreased. Sometimes, the spinal infections may travel to the brain and cause mental problems such as memory loss and confusion too.

Treatment of multiple myeloma
If there are no probable symptoms, you might not need treatment. But it is advisable to have a regular checkup done in order to be aware of the health of your body. However, if there are symptoms, that grow, later on, it is always necessary to go for treatment.

Getting proper treatments will relieve the pain and control the growth of the abnormal plasma cells and multiple myeloma will be checked. Similar to other cancers, chemotherapy works fine for this cancer too. Targeted drug therapy is also implemented sometimes. Other treatments like bone marrow transplant are also done but in extreme cases.