Multiple Myeloma - Insights of an abnormal condition.

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Well-crafted presentation module on Multiple Myeloma...

1. MULTIPLE MYELOMA This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA Matheshwaran M

2. Myeloma…? It is a type of cancer which affects the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell which produces antibodies. So, large number of cells are infected which leads to “ Multiple Myeloma ”. It is also known as “ Kahler’s disease ”

3. Multiple Myeloma A type of WBC called a plasma cell makes antibodies that fight infections in our body. When multiple myeloma is present, these cells multiply in a wrong way. Abnormal plasma cells produce abnormal antibodies. They let too much protein (called immunoglobin) into the bones and blood. It builds up throughout the body and damages the organs. As multiple myeloma gets worse, the plasma cells spill out of the bone marrow and spread. This causes more organ damage. The cause of multiple myeloma is still unknown. Experts aren’t found a valid point for this disease’s cause. Risk factors include obesity, radiation exposure, family history and certain chemicals. overview

4. Signs and Symptoms . Many organs can be affected by myeloma, so the symptoms and signs vary greatly. Fatigue and bone pain are the most common symptoms. Bone pain usually involves the spine and ribs, and worsens with activity. MM in mouth can mimic common teeth problems like periapical abscess or periodontal abscess, gingivitis, periodontitis. Often, no symptoms are noticed initially. As it progresses, bone pain, anaemia, kidney dysfunction and infections may occur.

5. What Are Its Causes? Exposure to toxic chemicals, atomic radiation, anything that interferes with the immune system, or infection with cancer-causing viruses have all been implicated as causes or triggers of myeloma.

6. Stages of Multiple Myeloma Staging describes or classifies a cancer based on how much cancer there is in the body and where it is when first diagnosed. This is often called the extent of cancer. Information from tests is used to find out the size of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread from where it first started and where the cancer has spread. By the time multiple myeloma is diagnosed, the cancer is usually widespread. Your healthcare team uses the stage to plan treatment and estimate the outcome (your prognosis). Staging multiple myeloma is based on the results of blood and imaging tests. Results of other tests can also help determine the stage depending on the system used.

7. Doctors use 2 systems to stage multiple myeloma: International Staging System (ISS) Durie-Salmon staging system . THE INTERNATIONAL STAGING SYSTEM (ISS) The International Staging System uses the results of 2 blood tests to stage multiple myeloma – the albumin level and the beta-2-microglobulin level. Albumin is the main protein found in  plasma It helps to maintain blood volume. Beta-2-microglobulin is a protein found on the surface of cells that is shed into the blood. It plays a role in the immune response.

8. Stage 1 The beta-2-microglobulin level is less than 3.5 mg/L. The albumin level is 35 g/L or more. Stage 2 The beta-2-microglobulin level is less than 3.5 mg/L. The albumin level is less than 35 g/L. Or The beta-2-microglobulin level is more than 3.5 mg/L but less than 5.5 mg/L and any albumin level. Stage 3 The beta-2-microglobulin level is 5.5 mg/L or more and any albumin level. .

9. THE DURIE-SALMON STAGING SYSTEM The Durie-Salmon staging system uses the results of blood tests, urine tests and x-rays to determine the stage of multiple myeloma. The Durie-Salmon staging system is based on the amount of: hemoglobin in the blood calcium in the blood bone damage found on x-rays Monoclonal protein  (M-protein) in the blood or urine (as measured by IgG, IgA, free light chains).

10. Stage 1 A small number of myeloma cells are found. All of the following features are present: Hemoglobin level is 100 g/L or more. Blood calcium level is normal (less than 2.8 mmol/L). There are no areas of bone damage or there is a  solitary plasmacytoma of the bone . IgG level is less than 50 g/L. IgA level is less than 30 g/L. Urine M-protein level is less than 4 g (urine collected over 24 hours). Stage 2 A moderate number of myeloma cells are found. The features are between stage 1 and stage 3. Stage 3 A large number of myeloma cells are found. One or more of the following features are present: Hemoglobin level is less than 85 g/L. Blood calcium level is more than 2.8 mmol/L. There are several areas of bone damage. IgG level is more than 70 g/L. IgA level is more than 50 g/L. Urine M-protein level is more than 12 g (urine collected over 24 hours).

11. Some pics regarding multiple myeloma are added.

12. DIAGNOSIS Sometimes multiple myeloma is diagnosed when your doctor detects it accidentally during a blood test for some other condition. It can also be diagnosed if your doctor suspects you could have multiple myeloma based on your signs and symptoms. Tests and procedures used to diagnose multiple myeloma includes: Blood test Urine test Examination of bone marrow Imaging tests

13. Treatments for myeloma Standard treatment options include

14. Prevention “There is no known way to prevent multiple myeloma from developing in those people with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance or solitary plasmacytomas. Research is investigating if treating certain high risk smoldering multiple myeloma may keep it from becoming active multiple myeloma.”  Some healthy habits a person can follow to avoid multiple myeloma Good sources of fiber include: Fruits like apples and pears. Dried fruits like figs and prunes. Whole grains. Oatmeal and other cereals. Nuts and beans. Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, celery, and artichokes. But,

15. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA