8 Questions
What is multiple myeloma?
A type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow
What is the most common age group affected by multiple myeloma?
People over 65 years old
Which of the following is a risk factor for multiple myeloma?
Family history of multiple myeloma
What is a common symptom of multiple myeloma?
Fatigue
What is the purpose of a bone marrow biopsy in diagnosing multiple myeloma?
To examine the bone marrow cells
What is the goal of treatment for multiple myeloma?
To control the growth of cancer cells, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life
What is the name of the staging system commonly used for multiple myeloma?
International Staging System (ISS)
What is a treatment option for multiple myeloma?
Targeted therapy
Study Notes
Definition and Overview
- Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow.
- It is a malignancy of the hematopoietic stem cell, characterized by the abnormal growth of plasma cells in the bone marrow.
- Also known as Kahler's disease or myelomatosis.
Causes and Risk Factors
- The exact cause of multiple myeloma is unknown, but several risk factors have been identified:
- Age: most common in people over 65 years old
- Family history: having a family member with multiple myeloma
- Radiation exposure
- Certain medical conditions: MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance), solitary plasmacytoma
- Genetic syndromes: familial multiple myeloma
Symptoms
- Often asymptomatic in early stages, but may include:
- Bone pain or weakness
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Fatigue
- Recurring infections
- Kidney damage or failure
- Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels)
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
Diagnosis
- Diagnostic tests:
- Blood tests: complete blood count (CBC), serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), immunofixation
- Urine tests: urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP)
- Bone marrow biopsy: examination of bone marrow cells
- Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans
Staging
- International Staging System (ISS) is commonly used:
- Stage I: low beta-2 microglobulin and low albumin levels
- Stage II: neither stage I nor stage III
- Stage III: high beta-2 microglobulin and low albumin levels
Treatment
- Treatment options:
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy: proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs
- Stem cell transplantation: autologous or allogenic
- Supportive care: managing symptoms and complications
- Treatment goals: control the growth of cancer cells, manage symptoms, improve quality of life
Prognosis
- The prognosis varies depending on the stage and response to treatment.
- Median survival time: around 5-7 years, but can range from a few months to over 10 years.
Definition and Overview
- Multiple myeloma is a cancer that affects bone marrow plasma cells.
- It is a malignancy of the hematopoietic stem cell, characterized by abnormal plasma cell growth in the bone marrow.
- Also known as Kahler's disease or myelomatosis.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Age: most common in people over 65 years old.
- Family history: having a family member with multiple myeloma increases risk.
- Radiation exposure is a risk factor.
- Certain medical conditions increase risk: MGUS, solitary plasmacytoma.
- Genetic syndromes: familial multiple myeloma.
Symptoms
- Often asymptomatic in early stages.
- Bone pain or weakness is a common symptom.
- Anemia (low red blood cell count) can occur.
- Fatigue is a common symptom.
- Recurring infections can occur.
- Kidney damage or failure can occur.
- Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) can occur.
- Numbness or weakness in the legs can occur.
Diagnosis
- Diagnostic tests include blood tests, urine tests, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging tests.
- Blood tests: complete blood count (CBC), serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), immunofixation.
- Urine tests: urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP).
- Bone marrow biopsy examines bone marrow cells.
- Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans.
Staging
- International Staging System (ISS) is commonly used.
- Stage I: low beta-2 microglobulin and low albumin levels.
- Stage II: neither stage I nor stage III.
- Stage III: high beta-2 microglobulin and low albumin levels.
Treatment
- Treatment options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, stem cell transplantation, and supportive care.
- Chemotherapy is used to control cancer cell growth.
- Targeted therapy: proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs.
- Stem cell transplantation: autologous or allogenic.
- Supportive care manages symptoms and complications.
- Treatment goals: control cancer cell growth, manage symptoms, improve quality of life.
Prognosis
- Prognosis varies depending on stage and response to treatment.
- Median survival time: around 5-7 years.
- Survival time can range from a few months to over 10 years.
Learn about multiple myeloma, a type of cancer affecting plasma cells in the bone marrow, and its risk factors, including age and family history.
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