Myeloma is a condition in which plasma cells, the cells in the bone marrow that produce antibodies, become cancerous. It is sometimes called plasma cell dyscrasia either plasma cell myeloma and more commonly as multiple myeloma (MM) . Multiple myeloma is the most common form found in patients, and is so named because it involves multiple sites in the body. The cells begin to grow at an uncontrollable rate and turn into tumors at numerous sites. However, a small percentage of patients develop these cells outside the bone marrow, and others have solitary myeloma, meaning the disease affects only one area.
This condition often presents with bone pain, primarily in the spine and ribs, although other locations are also commonly affected. The pain is usually worse with movement. Other common symptoms include chronic or acute infection, anemia, and kidney failure. However, myeloma is so varied in its formation and development that the symptoms can be equally varied.
The diagnosis of myeloma usually follows a physical exam and health history record, combined with laboratory tests of blood and urine. Elevated paraprotein and calcium levels are laboratory indicators. If myeloma is suspected, additional diagnostics including a skeletal survey or computed tomography (CT) scan, along with a bone marrow biopsy. The diagnostic method depends on the treating physician.
The prognosis for myeloma is generally not good. Although there is currently no cure, treatment is an option. Treatment revolves around containing the disease and suppressing the symptoms and progression of the disease.
Underlying symptoms, including anemia and kidney failure, if present, should be treated first. Steroids and chemotherapy are standard treatment options for myeloma. In some cases, stem cell transplantation is a suggested treatment.
Most patients who have been treated for this condition achieve a relapse of clinical remission at some point. According to the International Staging System (ISS) for myeloma, the median survival prognosis for stage 1 is 62 months, stage 2 is 49 months, and stage 3 is 29 months.