Cancer of mature plasma cells in the bone marrow. This causes bone pain in chest or spine, fatigue, nausea, constipation, frequent infections, and weight loss.

Symptoms & Reports

• Hypercalcemia: Increased levels of calcium in the blood leads to extreme thirst, loss of appetite, nausea, confusion and constipation
• Increased protein levels in the body causes kidney damage
• Anemia occurs when cancer cells outnumber healthy RBCs. Anemia causes fatigue, dizziness and irritability
• Anemia occurs when cancer cells outnumber healthy RBCs. Anaemia causes fatigue, dizziness and irritability
• Bone problems: Injuries, lesions and pain in the pelvis, back and ribs
• Multiple myeloma weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to infection.

Causes

• The exact cause of multiple myeloma is unknown. It starts with the abnormal production of plasma cells in the bone marrow. These cancer cells do not follow the regular cell cycle of growth, multiplication and death. They show uncontrolled division and eventually outnumber healthy cells leading to a multitude of problems.
• The following factors increase risk of multiple myeloma:
• Family history: Individuals with affected Family members are more likely to develop the condition.
• Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS): can progress to myeloma.
• Gender: more commonly seen in males.
• Age: People over 50 are generally affected. The disease is very rare in people below 40.
• Ethnicity: African-Americans are more commonly affected.
• Overweight and obesity: may slightly increase the risk.
• Radiation: Past exposure to Radiation can increase risk.
• Lowered immunity: due to HIV infection or use of immunosuppressants.

Preventions

Screening Options available at JNCHRC

• Blood test: To check for levels of beta 2- microglobulin and calcium, and to check kidney function.
• X-ray: To check for any changes in bone.
• CT scan: Done to check any bone damages.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI of the bone is performed to detect bone damages.
• Positron emission tomography (PET): To detect bone problems associated with multiple myeloma. 
• Bone marrow biopsy: For this test a needle is inserted into the bone marrow and aspirate is taken for analysis. Pathologist will observe the cells under the microscope for abnormality.