Myeloma - what is it? Myeloma prognosis

Pathogenic mutations and neoplasms are a serious threat to human life. Among such diseases, diagnosed and such as myeloma. What it is? This is the name of the process in which malignant tumors spread in blood plasma or bone tissues. Very often such a disease affects older people (and sick men are much more than women).

Myeloma disease. What it is

Malignant formations affect the blood plasma cells . The latter secrete substances that are able to protect a person from infections. Multiple myeloma of blood 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. At the same time, the number of erythrocytes and platelets decreases, the probability of bleeding increases. However, the process of blood clotting with such a disease is disrupted. And 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. Classification is carried out by the composition of cells (plasmacytic, plasmoblast, small cell, polymorphic cell myeloma) and by the nature of the tumor in the bone marrow (focal, diffuse and diffuse-focal). Also, the disease is not secreting, diclone. Another species is Bence-Jones's myeloma. But that's not all. Depending on the class of secreted immunoglobulins, several variants of the disease, for example A-, D- or G-myeloma, are isolated. What it is? This is a multiple myeloma, in which the immunoglobulin of the corresponding class is significantly increased.

Symptomatic of the disease

The manifestation of the disease depends on the stage at which it is located and to which species it belongs. 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, there are anemia, weakness, dizziness. Skin covers have a pale appearance. Basically, malignant neoplasms in the spine, ribs, skull bones are localized, so myeloma symptoms can have the following: pain in these areas, frequent fractures. Even if the disease does not manifest itself, sooner or later a person can face such problems as disruption of the kidneys, destruction of bone tissue, weight loss, pain in the legs.

Possible causes of myeloma development

Specialists can not say for sure what causes the plasma cells to mutate. However, nevertheless, there are a number of factors that can increase the risk of myeloma. These include the effects of radiation, aggressive and severe drugs. It has been established that substances such as formaldehyde, dioxin, varnishes, paints, acids can affect the onset of the tumor process. Exhaust gases from internal combustion engines are another factor. Heredity also matters. In addition, a disease like myeloma (what is it, discussed above), is more common in African Americans. The age-specific features of the disease are also noted. In people under 40 years, this condition was diagnosed extremely rarely (less than 1%). If the diagnosis of myeloma is made, the predictions largely depend on the timely detection of the disease.

How is myeloma diagnosed?

The very first source of information for suspected myeloma is a general analysis of blood and urine. Since pathogenic cells produce antibodies in large numbers, their high level will also signal the possible presence of malignant tumors. In order to determine if bone myeloma has made changes in their tissues, the doctor prescribes an examination using x-rays. A bone marrow biopsy is also performed. Computer and magnetic resonance imaging will help to detect foci of neoplasms. It is best to perform such a procedure before biopsy. This will allow you to more accurately determine the location for sampling tissue.

Treatment of mild myeloma

If the patient does not have specific symptoms of the disease, then the 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. Myeloma of the bones destroys the tissue, so for their strengthening are taken drugs based on calcium. Immunity is strengthened by various methods. If there are problems in the work of the kidneys, the specialist prescribes appropriate medications.

Also a positive effect is observed when included in the daily diet of berries such as cranberries and cranberries. Welcome the use of watermelon. In severe forms, anemia develops. In this case, measures are taken to increase 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 stocks of vitamin C (broth of dogrose, berries). The important point is also: the independent reception of any medication can give an unexpected side effect and worsen the patient's condition.

Therapy in more severe stages of the disease

The main method used to fight myeloma is chemotherapy. Thus the expert selects the necessary combination of preparations for more effective treatment. To reduce the adverse reactions of the body, you may need to take hormonal drugs. In parallel, radiation therapy is also performed, affecting radiation on the affected cells. Also at the same time, treatment can be used to strengthen the overall immunity of the patient. If chemotherapy does not produce the desired effect, bone marrow transplantation may be necessary. Often the results are positive. Additionally, surgical intervention can be performed. The operation is resorted to in case of squeezing the tumor of important vessels, with its large size, and also for the purpose of local strengthening of bone tissue. If the 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. When symptoms occur, it is necessary to help oncologists and hematologists.

Myeloma. Life expectancy and quality

If such malignant tumors are detected, timely therapy is necessary. About half of patients survive if the disease is diagnosed at the initial stage. The later treatment is initiated, the less the survival rate (in the third stage of the disease it is within 15%). Multiple myeloma is incurable, but you can alleviate the condition of the patient and bring his quality of life closer to the usual. This requires physical activity, which will help strengthen the bones. It is also important that the patient drank a lot (the liquid dilutes the specific proteins, and this will reduce the risk of kidney failure). Food should be balanced, rich in vitamins and nutrients. If timely therapy was carried out, the patient's life is prolonged for several years (about 4).