Multiple Myeloma: A Rare Cancer

Multiple myeloma is a rare type of cancer that starts in the plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell. Healthy plasma cells are found in the bone marrow and help the body fight infections by producing antibodies that identify and destroy foreign substances that can harm the body. Plasma cells are essential for the body’s immune system. The immune system is mainly made up of lymphocytes. The two main types of lymphocytes are T cells and B cells. When an infection occurs in the body, B cells react by developing into plasma cells. These plasma cells then produce antibodies that help kill harmful germs and bacteria.

Plasma cells can become cancerous. When they do, they continue to grow and a tumor develops called a plasmacytoma. Plasmacytomas usually grow within bone, but can sometimes be found in tissue as well. There are two categories of plasmacytomas: isolated plasmacytoma and multiple myeloma. When a person has just one plasma cell tumor, they have isolated plasmacytoma. When a person has more than one plasma cell tumor, they have multiple myeloma. With multiple myeloma, cancer cells grow within the bone marrow and push out the healthy blood cells. Instead of producing antibodies that help the immune system fight the disease, the cancer cells create abnormal proteins which may cause kidney problems.

Key statistics for multiple myeloma:

·         In 2015 in the United States, it is estimated that about 26,850 new cases of multiple myeloma will be diagnosed (14,090 in men and 12,760 in women), and about 11,240 people are expected to die from the disease (6,240 in men and 5,000 in women).

·         In the United States, the lifetime risk of getting multiple myeloma is 1 in 143.

·         The five-year survival rate of people with multiple myeloma is 47 percent. 

Signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma vary depending on the stage of the cancer. In the early stages of multiple myeloma, there may be no symptoms at all. When signs and symptoms do occur, they may include bone pain, especially in the spine or chest, nausea, constipation, loss of appetite, mental fogginess or confusion, fatigue, frequent infections, weight loss, weakness or numbness in your legs, or excessive thirst.

Risk factors for multiple myeloma:

·         Gender. More common in men than women.

·         Age. Most common in people over age 60. Average age of diagnosis is 70.

·         Race. Twice as common in African-Americans than in Caucasians.

·         Personal history. People with a history of a solitary plasmacytoma of the bone are at greater risk for developing multiple myeloma.

·         Exposure to radiation or chemicals. (Radiation or asbestos, benzene, pesticides, and other chemicals used in rubber manufacturing)

·         Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS).