On the risk factors for the development of multiple myeloma, as well as about modern methods of treating this ailment, read this article.
Content
Multiple myeloma is a variety of malignant tumors and arises from plasma blood cells. Normally, these cells play an important role in the immune (protective) human system.
There are several factors that can influence the emergence of multiple myeloma. List some of them:
- age;
- exposure to radiation;
- Family history.
Most patients with multiple myeloma is the only risk factor was age.
Thus, the exact cause of the development of multiple myeloma is unknown, however, it is possible that such a reason is a change in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which is responsible for the functioning of the cell.
In case of such changes in the DNA of plasma cells, they can turn into tumor and lead to the development of multiple myeloma.
Some patients with multiple myeloma have no symptoms. If they arise, then there are diverse.
So, list some symptoms of multiple myeloma.
- Pain in Kostya. The tumor process in the bones leads to osteoporosis (the emergence of bone decomposition sections), which is accompanied by pain and increases the probability of a fracture with minimal load. Pain in the spine, bones pelvis and head - frequent phenomenon in patients with multiple myeloma.
- Symptoms from the kidney. Excessive production of protein with myeloma cells is accompanied by damage to the kidneys, which makes it difficult to derive from the body of salts, fluids and livelihood products.
- Infection. Patients with multiple myeloma are 15 times more likely to suffer from infectious diseases, and most often they develop lung inflammation.
On the modern methods of treating multiple myeloma
Modern medicine use the following methods of treating multiple myeloma:
- Chemotherapy. The choice of antitumor drugs depends on the stage of the disease, the age of the patient, the status of the kidney function. In the process of chemotherapy, side effects and complications are possible: baldness, yazv formation in the mouth, an increase in susceptibility to infections, bleeding, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. After the completion of the treatment, the specified side effects pass.
- Radiation therapy. Bone damage in myeloma, in particular, vertebrals, can lead to the compression of the spinal cord and nerves. At the same time develops numbness and weakness of the lower extremities, pain, violation of the function of the bladder and intestines. In this case, urgent action is necessary, which may be in the appointment of radiation therapy or operation.
- Operational treatment is rarely used in patients with multiple myeloma, with the exception of the above emergency situations. In some patients, the operation may be required for fixation or bone strengthening.
- Biotherapy (immunotherapy). Interferon slows down the growth of myeloma cells and can be used in combination with chemotherapy. Such treatment extends remission in patients with myeloma.
- Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation is used in the case of high doses of chemotherapy. In this case, you can use both bone marrow or stem cells from the patient (autologous transplantation) and donor (allogenic transplantation).
- Plasmapheres. With this procedure, blood purified from antibodies that are produced in excess to myeloma cells.
