Multiple Myeloma
What is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that develops in plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that normally produce antibodies to fight infections. When these cells become cancerous, they grow out of control in the bone marrow and crowd out healthy blood cells.
In multiple myeloma, the cancerous plasma cells produce abnormal proteins called monoclonal proteins or M proteins. These abnormal proteins build up in the blood and urine instead of helpful antibodies. The condition can weaken bones, damage kidneys, and reduce the body's ability to fight infections.
Multiple myeloma is not curable, but it is treatable. Many people live for years with proper medical care. Early detection through blood testing helps identify the condition before serious complications develop.
Symptoms
- Bone pain, especially in the spine, chest, or hips
- Frequent infections due to weakened immune system
- Fatigue and weakness from low red blood cell counts
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Constipation from high calcium levels
- Confusion or mental fogginess
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
Some people have no symptoms in the early stages. The condition may be discovered during routine blood work before symptoms appear.
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Causes and risk factors
Multiple myeloma develops when plasma cells undergo genetic changes that cause them to multiply uncontrollably. The exact cause of these genetic mutations is not fully understood. Age is the biggest risk factor, with most cases occurring in people over 65. Men are slightly more likely to develop the condition than women.
Other risk factors include a family history of multiple myeloma, being African American, having obesity, and exposure to certain chemicals or radiation. People with a condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, or MGUS, have a higher risk of developing multiple myeloma. However, most people with risk factors never develop the disease.
How it's diagnosed
Multiple myeloma is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, urine tests, imaging, and bone marrow biopsies. Blood tests detect abnormal protein bands, elevated calcium levels, high levels of beta-2 microglobulin, and abnormal immunoglobulin levels. Protein electrophoresis and immunofixation tests identify the specific type of abnormal protein being produced by the cancerous plasma cells.
Rite Aid offers blood testing that screens for multiple myeloma markers including protein electrophoresis, immunofixation, free light chains with kappa/lambda ratio, calcium, total protein, IgG, IgM, and beta-2 microglobulin. These tests can detect the abnormal proteins and elevated biomarkers associated with this condition. If results show abnormalities, your doctor will recommend additional testing such as bone marrow biopsy or imaging to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment options
- Chemotherapy medications to kill cancer cells
- Targeted therapy drugs like proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs
- Stem cell transplant to replace diseased bone marrow with healthy cells
- Radiation therapy to treat painful bone lesions
- Bisphosphonate medications to strengthen bones and reduce fracture risk
- Pain management with medications as needed
- Staying physically active to maintain bone strength and overall health
- Drinking plenty of fluids to protect kidney function
- Getting vaccinations to prevent infections
- Regular monitoring with blood tests to track disease progression
Concerned about Multiple Myeloma? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
The first signs often include bone pain, especially in the back or ribs, and persistent fatigue. Some people experience frequent infections or unexplained weight loss. Many cases are detected through routine blood work before symptoms appear.
Yes, blood tests are the primary screening tool for multiple myeloma. Tests like protein electrophoresis, immunofixation, and free light chain analysis detect the abnormal proteins produced by cancerous plasma cells. Elevated calcium and beta-2 microglobulin levels also indicate possible multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma is not curable, but it is highly treatable. Many people live for 5 to 10 years or longer with modern treatments. Early detection and personalized treatment plans significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.
MGUS, or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, is a precursor condition where abnormal proteins are present but not causing symptoms. Only about 1% of people with MGUS progress to multiple myeloma each year. Regular monitoring helps catch the progression early if it occurs.
If you have MGUS or other risk factors, your doctor will recommend blood testing every 6 to 12 months. Regular monitoring helps detect changes in protein levels or other biomarkers early. People without known risk factors should discuss screening with their doctor based on age and symptoms.
Staying physically active helps maintain bone strength and reduces fatigue. Drinking plenty of water protects kidney function. Eating a nutrient-rich diet supports overall health and immune function. Avoiding infections through good hygiene and vaccinations is also important.
Multiple myeloma can have a genetic component, but most cases are not inherited. Having a first-degree relative with the condition increases your risk slightly. If you have a family history, talk to your doctor about screening and monitoring options.
A monoclonal protein is an abnormal protein produced by cancerous plasma cells in multiple myeloma. Instead of making helpful antibodies, the diseased cells produce one type of protein in large amounts. Blood and urine tests can detect and measure these M proteins.
Yes, many people achieve remission with treatment, meaning the cancer becomes undetectable or minimal. Remission can last for months or years. However, multiple myeloma often returns, so ongoing monitoring with blood tests is essential even during remission.
The cancerous plasma cells multiply in the bone marrow and release substances that break down bone tissue. This weakens bones and creates painful lesions or holes. The condition can lead to fractures and compression of the spine, causing severe pain.