These cancer cells can invade and cause interference with other body parts, such as the kidneys and bones.
Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma
Symptoms of multiple myeloma appeared along with the development of cancer cells, so most people do not feel anything in the beginning of the disease. Symptoms experienced included symptoms of common and varied, namely:
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- feel sick
- Bone pain, especially in the chest or spine
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Often feel thirsty
- Susceptible to infection
- Confusion or mental decline
- Numbness in the feet
Causes of Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma includes cases that are not common and is not known with certainty the cause. The growth of myeloma cells normally produce normal antibodies are beneficial for the body. Abnormal growth of myeloma cells provide the opposite effect. The abnormal cells can multiply quickly, and then produce antibodies that harm the body. This condition is also associated with other conditions that are lighter, ie MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance).
MGUS is a condition where abnormal antibodies or monoclonal protein or M protein, produced by myeloma cells, but does not cause damage to the body. However, most cases of multiple myeloma originated from MGUS conditions. Of the hundred people who suffer from MGUS, one of whom suffer from multiple myeloma.
Risk factors for Multiple Myeloma
There are several factors that cause a person at risk for multiple myeloma, including:
- Cases of multiple myeloma are more common in males than females.
- Most patients with multiple myeloma were diagnosed when they were in the mid 60s. The risk of someone developing the disease increases with age.
- Multiple myeloma is a risk of the dark-skinned ethnic than white or Asian ethnicity.
- People with MGUS should be wary of the possibility of the condition develop into multiple myeloma.
- A person is more at risk of developing multiple myeloma if there are family members who suffer from this disease.
To find out if someone is really suffering from multiple myeloma, a doctor will perform a series of tests based on symptoms and associated risk factors. Assays were conducted to detect abnormal number of antibodies and proteins, as well as the presence of cancer cells. Several types of tests and procedures that must be followed, among others:
- The laboratory will analyze whether there is an abnormal protein in the blood of patients. Tests were also conducted to find out how high the level of the abnormal antibodies, red blood cells, platelets, calcium, how well the liver function and kidney function.
- A urine sample is used to determine how many abnormal proteins are produced. A large number of abnormal proteins in the blood, it can affect kidney function always passed by blood. Urine samples were taken over a period of 24 hours will give doctors information about how well the patient's kidney condition.
- Bone marrow examination is done by inserting a needle into the bone to take a sample of bone marrow fluid. Samples were then analyzed using FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization). This check is performed to find out how quickly the cancer cells develop.
- Imaging tests are part of the diagnosis of this disease. This test group includes X-ray, MRI, CT scan, or PET (positron emission tomography) for detecting disorders of the bone associated with multiple myeloma. Imaging performed on the arms, legs, head, spine, and pelvis to check whether there is damage to the part.
There are three stages of the spread of cancer cells in multiple myeloma. Each has a different risk of disease progression. The doctor will use the results of the diagnosis to see how aggressive spread of cancer cells in the body and to know how many patients were on stage.
- Stage I. Cancer cells have spread into the body in small amounts. The possibility of the emergence of symptoms of the disease are small or nonexistent.
- Stage II. Cancer cells spread to the body in moderate amounts.
- Stage III. A large number of cancer cells have spread to the body. At this stage, patients may develop anemia and bone cancer three or more.
Treatment of Multiple Myeloma
A study of multiple myeloma is still growing. The condition is multiple myeloma can not be cured completely. Nevertheless, some of the treatments below can help relieve the pain caused by multiple myeloma. The treatment also prevents the occurrence of complications, maintain the condition of the patient remains stable in order to slow the progression of multiple myeloma. With proper care, the patient can be back on the move, although not fully recovered as the beginning.
If you are diagnosed with multiple myeloma, there is a possibility that you will undergo blood and urine tests periodically. Doctors began the process of treatment if it turns out you are experiencing the above symptoms and test results show the progress on the conditions of multiple myeloma. Some basic treatment for multiple myeloma, including:
Drug therapy.
This therapy treat abnormalities in cancer cells. Therapy generally use multiple myeloma drug bortezomib and carfilzomib infused into the patient. These drugs specifically target cancer cells myeloma.
Side effects can include nausea, kekelahan, numbness, tingling in the hands and feet, or diarrhea.
Biological therapy.
This therapy improves the immune system in order to recognize and fight the myeloma cells which have developed into cancer cells. Drugs that are commonly used are thalidomide, lenalidomide and pomalidomide.
The side effects may include constipation, rash, dizziness, increased risk of infection, anemia, blood clots, bruising, bleeding, numbness, or tingling in the hands and feet. Thalomide not recommended for pregnant women because it can cause birth defects.
chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs can be taken in pill form or given memalui infusion. These drugs can kill myeloma cancer cells that multiply rapidly. High dose chemotherapy regimens usually done before stem cell transplant procedure began.
Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, increased risk of infection, or experience hair loss.
Corticosteroids.
This treatment regulates the immune system to prevent inflammation in the body. Steroid treatment is also useful against myeloma cells. Types of commonly used corticosteroids are prednisone and dexamethasone.
The side effects may include increased appetite, mood changes, heartburn (felt after eating), difficulty sleeping, and indigestion.
Stem cell transplantation.
In this procedure, bone marrow cancer cells infected bone marrow is replaced with a new one. Previously, bone marrow purged of cancer cells through chemotherapy. Healthy bone marrow is then inserted into the body with the aim of new bone formation in the bone marrow.
radiation therapy
X-ray therapy is used to destroy cancer cells and stop the growth of abnormal cells that trigger the onset of myeloma tumors cause pain and damage to bones.
Treatment of multiple myeloma itself has several conditions to the terms before the procedure is executed. In addition to the patient's age and health condition, a combination of treatments should also be adapted to how much risk of disease progression. Older patients or patients who have a body condition is not generally get fit with a low dose of chemotherapy drugs.
Combination treatment for relapsed multiple myeloma who are generally the same as the initial treatment, but doctors may also add drugs or other therapies. Doctors may offer patients to participate in clinical trials of multiple myeloma as part of the treatment. Keep in mind that there is no guarantee that the clinical trials that you receive will be more effective than existing treatments.
Alternative medicine
Some alternative treatments can help patients cope with, but not limited to, the side effects and the treatment of multiple myeloma. Patients are strongly advised to consult a doctor before trying any alternative treatment. The techniques of alternative medicine that you can discuss with your doctor include, massage, acupuncture, relaxation techniques, aromatherapy, and meditation.
- Disorders of the bone. Multiple myeloma can cause bone diseases, such as bone pain, bone easily cracked or broken, and the bone-thinning is an example of a bone disease as the effects of untreated multiple myeloma.
- Infections are more frequent. The disease is blocking the body against infection, as a result the patient susceptible to infection.
- The growth of myeloma cells causes the risk of patients experiencing anemia or other blood diseases due to this disease more than other blood cells can cause a reduction in red blood cells. and other blood deficiency diseases.
- Decreased kidney function. Multiple myeloma causes an increased level of calcium in the blood so that disrupt blood filtration in the kidneys. This condition can lead to kidney failure that leads to dialysis. A high calcium levels are also associated with bone erosion process.
Treatment for complications of multiple myeloma is as important as treatment of multiple myeloma itself. Some treatments for the complications caused by multiple myeloma include:
- Bone diseases. Treatment, radiation therapy and surgery to control bone pain caused by multiple myeloma. In addition, doctors will advise patients who experience bone loss for consuming drugs and types of bisphosphonates such as pamidronate zoledronic acid.
- Renal complications. Patients with renal impairment may require dialysis (dialysis).
- Giving the vaccine to prevent infections caused by viruses, such as influenza and pneumonia. Infections caused by bacteria will require antibiotic treatment.
- The doctor will recommend treatment or blood transfusions to increase the number of red blood cells if the level is too low.
Prognosis
Researchers are still working to find the right treatment to treat multiple myeloma. However, diagnosis is obtained in the early stages of the disease can help patients to live longer. Approximately 47 percent of patients with multiple myeloma can live up to five years or more.
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