Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer. There's no cure, but treatments can slow its spread and sometimes make symptoms go away.
A type of white blood cell called a plasma cell makes antibodies that fight infections in your body. When you have multiple myeloma, these cells multiply the wrong way. They let too much protein(immunoglobulin) into your bones and blood.. It builds up through your body and damage your organs
The plasma cells crowd out regular blood cells in your bones. The weak areas that his creates in your bones are called lytic lesions.
As multiple myeloma gets worse, the plasma cells spill out of your bone marrow and spread. This causes more organ damage.
Risk Factors
Experts aren't sure what causes multiple myeloma. But you are more likely to get it if:
* You're older than 65
*You're male
*You're an African American
*You have a family with it.
*You're overweight or obese
*You've been exposed to radiation
*You've had contacts with chemicals used in rubber manufacturing woodworking, or firefighting; or in herbicides.
Symptoms:
* Bone pain
*Weakness and fatigue
*Weight loss and appetite
*Upset stomach
*Constipation
*Confusion
*Frequent infections
*Severe thirst
*Weakness and numbness in your arms and legs.
See a doctor if you're uncertain about the above symptoms.
Credit: WebMD
A type of white blood cell called a plasma cell makes antibodies that fight infections in your body. When you have multiple myeloma, these cells multiply the wrong way. They let too much protein(immunoglobulin) into your bones and blood.. It builds up through your body and damage your organs
The plasma cells crowd out regular blood cells in your bones. The weak areas that his creates in your bones are called lytic lesions.
As multiple myeloma gets worse, the plasma cells spill out of your bone marrow and spread. This causes more organ damage.
Risk Factors
Experts aren't sure what causes multiple myeloma. But you are more likely to get it if:
* You're older than 65
*You're male
*You're an African American
*You have a family with it.
*You're overweight or obese
*You've been exposed to radiation
*You've had contacts with chemicals used in rubber manufacturing woodworking, or firefighting; or in herbicides.
Symptoms:
* Bone pain
*Weakness and fatigue
*Weight loss and appetite
*Upset stomach
*Constipation
*Confusion
*Frequent infections
*Severe thirst
*Weakness and numbness in your arms and legs.
See a doctor if you're uncertain about the above symptoms.
Credit: WebMD