Pathogenic mutations and neoplasms are a serious threat to human life. Among these diseases, a myeloma is also diagnosed. What it is? This is the name of the process in which malignant tumors spread in blood plasma or bone tissue. Very often, older people suffer from this disease (moreover, there are much more sick men than women).
Myeloma disease. What it is
Malignant lesions affect blood plasma cells. The latter secrete substances that can protect a person from infections. Multiple blood myeloma contributes to the fact that these cells, becoming cancerous, begin to multiply. Their number after some time exceeds the norm. Subsequently, they replace healthy bone marrow cells. In this case, the number of red blood cells and platelets decreases, the likelihood of bleeding increases. However, the blood coagulation process in such a disease is disrupted. Although the affected cells are also capable of producing antibodies, the body is no longer able to effectively protect itself from infection.
Classification of myeloma types
There are several types of myeloma. The classification is carried out according to the composition of the cells (plasmacytic, plasmoblast, small cell, polymorphic cell myeloma) and the nature of the spread of the tumor in the bone marrow (focal, diffuse and diffuse focal). Also, the disease is non-secretive, diclon. Another species is Bens Jones myeloma. But that is not all. Depending on the class of secreted immunoglobulins, several variants of the disease are distinguished, for example A-, D- or G-myeloma. What it is? This is multiple myeloma, in which the corresponding class of immunoglobulin is significantly increased.
Symptoms of the disease
The manifestation of the disease depends on what stage it is at and what species it belongs to. Often there is a complete absence of any symptoms. Since the protective functions of the body are weakened, a person is often exposed to infection. In addition, anemia, weakness, dizziness are observed. The skin has a pale appearance. Malignant neoplasms are mainly localized in the spine, ribs, and bones of the skull, so myeloma symptoms may have the following: pain in these areas, frequent fractures. Even if the disease does not manifest itself, sooner or later a person may encounter problems such as impaired renal function, destruction of bone tissue, weight loss, leg pain.
Possible causes of myeloma
Specialists cannot say exactly why plasma cells begin to mutate. However, there are still a number of factors that can increase the risk of developing myeloma. These include the effects of radiation, aggressive and heavy drugs. It was found that substances such as formaldehyde, dioxin, varnishes, paints, acids can affect the onset of the tumor process. Exhaust fumes from internal combustion engines are another factor. Heredity also matters. In addition, a disease such as myeloma (what it is, discussed above) is more common in African Americans. The age-related features of the disease are also noted. In people under 40 years of age, this condition was diagnosed extremely rarely (less than 1%). If a diagnosis of myeloma is made, the prognosis is largely dependent on the timeliness of the detection of the disease.
How is myeloma diagnosed?
The very first source of information for suspected myeloma is a general blood and urine test. Since pathogenic cells produce antibodies in large quantities, their high level will signal the possible presence of malignant tumors. In order to determine whether bone myeloma has made changes in their tissue, the doctor prescribes an examination using x-rays. A bone marrow biopsy is also performed. To detect foci of neoplasms will help and computed or magnetic resonance imaging. It is best to carry out such a procedure before a biopsy. This will allow you to more accurately determine the location for taking tissue samples.
Treatment of mild myeloma
If the patient does not have specific symptoms of the disease, then treatment is selected individually, depending on the state of health. At the initial, sluggish stage, a person is under the supervision of a specialist. Treatment with aggressive drugs can do more harm than good. Bone myeloma destroys tissues, therefore, calcium-based preparations are taken to strengthen them. All kinds of methods strengthen the immune system. If there are problems in the kidneys, the specialist prescribes the appropriate medication.
Also, a positive effect is observed when berries such as cranberries and lingonberries are included in the daily diet. The use of watermelon is welcome. In severe forms, anemia develops. In this case, measures are taken aimed at increasing the level of hemoglobin. Often patients have problems with blood, its coagulability. The doctor prescribes drugs to strengthen the walls of blood vessels. It is also necessary to replenish the reserves of vitamin C (broth of wild rose, berries). This point is also important: self-administration of any medication can give an unexpected side effect and worsen the patient's condition.
Therapy for more severe stages of the disease
The main method used to combat myeloma is chemotherapy. In this case, the specialist selects the necessary combination of drugs for more effective treatment. To reduce the adverse reactions of the body, you may need to take hormones. Concurrently, radiation therapy is also carried out, acting on the affected cells with radiation. Also, treatment aimed at strengthening the general immunity of the patient can also be used at the same time. If chemotherapy does not produce the desired effect, a bone marrow transplant may be necessary. Often the results are positive. Additionally, surgery may be performed. Surgery is resorted to if the tumor squeezes important vessels, with its large sizes, and also with the aim of local strengthening of bone tissue. If myeloma was diagnosed in a timely manner, the patient's life expectancy can be increased. But for this it is necessary to strictly adhere to the recommendations of specialists. With manifestations of symptoms, the help of oncologists and hematologists is necessary.
Myeloma Life expectancy and its quality
If such malignant tumors are found, timely therapy is necessary. About half of patients survive if the disease is diagnosed at an initial stage. The later treatment is started, the lower the survival rate (at the third stage of the disease, it is within 15%). Multiple myeloma is incurable, but it is possible to alleviate the patient’s condition and bring his quality of life closer to normal. This requires physical activity to help strengthen bones. It is also important that the patient drank a lot (the liquid dilutes specific proteins, and this will reduce the risk of kidney failure). Nutrition should be balanced, rich in vitamins and nutrients. If timely therapy was carried out, then the patient's life is extended by several years (about 4).