Is Myeloma a Blood Cancer

1. Is Myeloma a Blood Cancer? Everything You Need to Know About Myeloma Myeloma is the uncontrollable growth of cancer cells in the blood. It is the cancer of plasma cells. As you may know, plasma cells are the white blood cells that are present in the bone marrow. Further, myeloma is a type of blood cancer. The other two types of blood cancer are lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system) and leukemia (cancer of the bone marrow). In clinical words, myeloma is a chronic hematologic disorder or malignancy. What causes Myeloma? Myeloma, being a cancer of the immune cells, affects the overall functioning of the body. Despite many clinical studies and research, the ultimate cause of this condition is unknown. However, oncologists and scientists have demonstrated a greater role of many factors in developing cancer. The following are some of the common risk factors of myeloma:  Age: Most individuals aged above 60 years of age get diagnosed with myeloma.  Male sex: Men are more likely to develop tumors in the plasma cells than women. However, no clear evidence is available to prove the same.  Family history: Patients with a family history of cancer of the blood tend to be at a greater risk of being diagnosed with myeloma.  Black race: Although no studies can prove this, individuals belonging to the black race are prone to cancers like myeloma. What are the symptoms of Myeloma?

2. In most individuals, myeloma doesn’t cause any symptoms in the early stages. However, some may experience certain reactions or signs that can indicate the presence of a cancer tumor in the body. The common signs of myeloma include:  Fatigue  Frequent infections  Weight loss  Weakness  Nausea  Vomiting  Fever  Chills  Constipation  Bone pain  Loss of appetite  Mental fogginess  Confusion  Numbness in the hands and legs  Excessive thirst When to see a doctor: If the above symptoms or others occur and last for a long time, be sure to contact your medical practitioner so that the necessary tests and treatment can be initiated. Can Myeloma be treated? Thanks to the advancements in the field of oncology, myeloma can be treated and managed to a greater extent. Its treatment is easy when the disease is diagnosed at a primary stage. This is when cancer has not started spreading in other parts of the body. Moreover, medications and therapies can significantly manage most symptoms of myeloma and help in blocking the growth of cancer cells. Some of the common treatment options that are available for myeloma patients are:  Chemotherapy: This involves the use of cancer medicines like L-Asparaginase injection and others. Such drugs can act as a critical part of cancer treatment and improve the quality of a patient’s life.  Bone marrow transplant: It is a surgical procedure that includes the transplantation of healthy cells in the body of a cancer patient. The healthy cells are, therefore, donated by a family member or a donor.  Radiation therapy: Besides the administration of medications like L-aspara injection, radiation therapy can help in making a positive difference.  Immunotherapy: This type of cancer therapy involves the use of drugs that stimulate the immune response to fight off the cancer cells in the body. Further, the type of treatment best for you is determined by your healthcare team after examining your medical condition. Source: http://writeus.me/is-myeloma-a-blood-cancer