The Multiple Myeloma Patient

Multiple myeloma is the second-most prevalent blood cancer in the United States. According to the most recent estimates from the American Cancer Society, 20,180 new cases of multiple myeloma will be diagnosed in 2010.

There is no one picture of a person who has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Everyone who has been affected by this disease is different and unique. However, there are certain characteristics—such as age, race, and gender—that may help healthcare providers get a sense of who may be at risk of developing this disease.

• Age: Multiple myeloma generally develops in people over the age of 50. While a small number of people develop multiple myeloma before they turn 40, the majority of cases are diagnosed in their mid-60s
• Race: African-Americans are nearly two times as likely to be diagnosed with multiple myeloma as Caucasians, while Asians are the least likely
• Gender: Men have a higher risk of developing multiple myeloma than women

Risk Factors and Causes

The exact cause of multiple myeloma is not known. But, there is evidence suggesting that the development of multiple myeloma is multifactorial. That is, it may be the result of many different influences. For example, multiple myeloma may be:

• Caused by exposure to certain environmental factors (such as radiation, benzenes, and pesticides),
• Something that "runs" in your family, or
• Caused by some combination of all of these factors

The Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

The symptoms of multiple myeloma can vary from person to person – and it may not even cause symptoms early in the course of the disease. However, as the disease progresses, it is not uncommon to experience one or more of the following symptoms.

Bone pain and fractures
Because of the bone damage caused by the myeloma cells, pain in the bones, such as in the back (spine) and chest, is most common. In addition, osteolytic lesions weaken the bone and increase the risk of fracture.

Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia refers to increased levels of calcium in the blood, and it occurs when calcium "leaks" from the bones. Excess calcium in the blood can also cause nausea, confusion, increased urination, and increased thirst. High calcium levels place an excessive burden on the kidneys, and, if untreated, may impair kidney function.

Blood disorders
As you read earlier, myeloma cells interfere with the production of normal blood cells in the bone marrow, so it is not uncommon for patients to experience conditions related to a decrease in the production of white blood cells, but also with red blood cells and platelets.
For example:

• Infections – Infections are possible because of the decrease in the production of white blood cells, which reduces the body's ability to fight off viruses, bacteria or other foreign substances.
• Anemia – Anemia results when there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells. Red blood cells deliver oxygen throughout your body. However, without an adequate supply of red blood cells, your tissues may not receive an adequate amount of oxygen, which may leave you feeling weak, dizzy, short of breath, or tired.
• Bruising – Bruising occurs more easily because of a decrease in the number of platelets. Platelets are blood cell fragments that help the body form clots to stop bleeding.
• Hyperviscosity – The blood may also become too viscous—too thick. This condition, called hyperviscosity, is due to high levels of M-protein in the blood and may make it difficult for blood to circulate throughout the body.

Kidney Damage
High levels of abnormal proteins may build up and collect in organs such as the kidneys, making them unable to function properly.