Multiple myeloma is cancer that begins in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. Myeloma is caused when your body makes too many of a certain blood cell, called a "plasma cell." The most common form of myeloma (about 90 percent of cases) involves many sites in the body. It is sometimes called multiple myeloma . To understand multiple myeloma, it is helpful to know about normal blood cells.When this happens, the abnormal plasma cells group together and form tumors. Immunoglobulins are proteins in the blood that help to kill bacteria, viruses and other germs that attack your body. However, in people with myeloma, the plasma cells don't make the right kind of immunoglobulins to fight infections. Multiple myeloma may also cause problems with your kidneys. The disease is called multiple myeloma because myeloma cells can occur in multiple bone marrow sites in your body. If you have multiple myeloma but aren't experiencing symptoms, your doctors may just need to monitor your condition. If you're experiencing symptoms, a variety of treatments are available.

The blood contains several different types of cells, each with an important job in the body. The originator of all blood cells is an immature cell known as the stem cell. The ultimate effect of this "malignant" upheaval is erosion and organ dysfunction. There are 2 major subtypes of lymphocytes: B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes (often called B cells and T cells).Red blood cells carry oxygen to, and carbon dioxide from, all bodily tissues in order to maintain effective organ function. Cancer is a disorder characterized by transformation of normal cells to abnormal cells that grow and multiply uncontrollably. When only one site is detectable, it is referred to as a solitary plasmacytoma, and these respond dramatically to local radiation or surgical excision. Instead they make too much of one kind of immunoglobulin that can cause problems.

Causes of Myeloma

The common Causes of Myeloma :

Multiple myeloma is characterized by the excessive growth and malfunction of plasma cells in the bone marrow.
Obesity.
Radiation has been linked to the development of myeloma.
Risk factors include certain kinds of behavior such as cigarette smoking for lung cancer, inherited (genetic) traits, and exposure to cancer-causing agents in the environment.
Working in the petrol, rubber or leather industries.
The Mayo clinic found disease in 8 siblings out of 440 patients; these 8 siblings had different heavy chains but the same light chains.
It appears that patients who have been involved in the agricultural, chemical, or radiology industries are at higher risk of developing the disease.

Symptoms of Myeloma

Some Symptoms of Myeloma :

Bleeding problems
Weight loss
Nausea or constipation
Increased susceptibility to infection
Unexplained fractures
Feeling very thirsty
Bone or back pain
Symptoms of anemia (such as tiredness, shortness of breath, and fatigue)
Feeling weak and very tired

Treatment of Myeloma

Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for myeloma.
Biological therapy (using the body's immune system to fight cancer).
Radiotherapy aims to damage the abnormal cells and stop their growth with radiation from X-rays. This treatment is very important.
Induction - focuses on reducing the amount of disease and achieving remission
Stem cell (bone marrow) transplantation .

A person may want to consult with more than one specialist before selecting the hematologist-oncologist.

Bowel & Stomach Diseases

Appendicitis
Barett's Oesophagus
Coeliac Disease
Crohn's Disease

Heart Problems

Angina
Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Stenosis
Arrhythmias
Atrial Fibrillation

Infectious Diseases

Bacterial Vaginosis
Bird Flu
Boils
Cellulitis
Chicken Pox
Cystitis

Skin Disorders

Acne
Alopecia Areata
Baldness

Women Diseases

Abnormal Periods
Atropic Vaginitis
Breast Cancer
Breast Pain
Cervical Cancer

Liver & Kidney Diseases

Cholecystitis
Cirrhosis
Fatty Liver Disease
Kidney Cancer
Liver Cancer

Mental Health

Anorexia Nervosa
Bipolar Affective Disorder
Bulimia Nervosa
Dementia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Schizophrenia

Disclaimer : All information on www.family-health-guide.org is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.