Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that begins in plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that live in your bone marrow and make antibodies to fight infections. When these cells become cancerous, they multiply out of control and crowd out healthy blood cells.

As myeloma cells grow, they produce abnormal proteins that build up in your blood and urine. These proteins can damage your kidneys, weaken your bones, and interfere with your immune system. The condition typically affects people over age 60, though it can occur at younger ages.

Multiple myeloma is called a plasma cell disorder or plasma cell dyscrasia. It develops slowly in most people. Some patients live with a precursor condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, or MGUS, for years before myeloma develops. Early detection through blood testing can help identify abnormal protein levels before symptoms appear.

• Bone pain, especially in the spine, chest, or hips
• Weakness and fatigue that does not improve with rest
• Frequent infections like pneumonia or sinus infections
• Unexplained weight loss over several weeks or months
• Excessive thirst and frequent urination
• Nausea, constipation, or loss of appetite
• Confusion or mental fogginess
• Numbness or weakness in the legs
• Bone fractures from minor injuries or falls
• Abnormal bleeding or easy bruising

Many people with early multiple myeloma have no symptoms at all. The condition is sometimes discovered when routine blood work shows abnormal protein levels or other changes. Symptoms usually appear gradually as the disease progresses and cancer cells spread through the bone marrow.

Multiple myeloma happens when plasma cells in your bone marrow develop genetic mutations. These mutations cause the cells to grow and divide rapidly instead of dying off at a normal rate. Scientists do not know exactly what triggers these genetic changes, but several risk factors increase your likelihood of developing the condition. Age is the biggest risk factor, with most cases occurring after age 65. Men develop multiple myeloma slightly more often than women. African Americans have about twice the risk compared to white Americans.

Having MGUS, a condition where abnormal proteins appear in blood without other symptoms, raises your risk significantly. About 1 in 100 people with MGUS develop multiple myeloma each year. Family history also plays a role, as people with a close relative who has myeloma face higher risk. Exposure to radiation, certain chemicals like pesticides or benzene, and obesity may contribute to risk. However, most people with these risk factors never develop the condition, and many patients have no clear risk factors at all.

Doctors diagnose multiple myeloma using a combination of blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies, and bone marrow examination. Blood work is often the first step and can reveal important clues. A total protein test measures the amount of protein in your blood. High levels may indicate that abnormal plasma cells are producing too much protein. Additional blood tests check for specific myeloma proteins, anemia, kidney function, and calcium levels. Rite Aid offers blood testing that includes total protein measurement, which can help identify potential concerns early.

If blood work suggests multiple myeloma, your doctor will order specialized tests. These include serum protein electrophoresis to identify abnormal proteins, free light chain tests, and beta-2 microglobulin measurements. A bone marrow biopsy confirms the diagnosis by showing the percentage of plasma cells in your marrow. Imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or PET scans check for bone damage. Early detection through regular blood testing at Quest Diagnostics locations can catch changes before symptoms develop.

• Targeted therapy drugs that attack specific proteins in myeloma cells
• Immunotherapy medications that help your immune system recognize and kill cancer cells
• Chemotherapy to destroy rapidly dividing cells
• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and help kill myeloma cells
• Stem cell transplant to replace diseased bone marrow with healthy cells
• Radiation therapy for bone pain or to treat tumors pressing on the spine
• Bisphosphonate medications to strengthen bones and prevent fractures
• Pain management with medications and physical therapy
• High protein diet to maintain muscle mass and support healing
• Regular exercise to maintain bone density and reduce fatigue
• Staying hydrated to protect kidney function
• Infection prevention through vaccines and avoiding sick contacts