When we think of blood cancers, our minds often jump to leukemia or lymphoma. But there’s another serious condition that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, multiple myeloma.
It’s a type of blood cancer that quietly affects tens of thousands of Americans every year, often going unnoticed until symptoms become hard to ignore.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what myeloma is, the early signs and symptoms you should watch for, available treatment options, and how clinical trials are opening new doors for patients.
What is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells — a type of white blood cell found in your bone marrow.
Normally, plasma cells help fight infections by producing antibodies. But in multiple myeloma, these cells start growing uncontrollably, crowding out healthy blood cells and producing abnormal proteins that can damage organs like your kidneys.
It’s important to remember that multiple myeloma is part of a larger family known as blood cancers.
Types of Blood Cancer:
Types of Blood cancer like leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma each target different parts of your blood-making system. While leukemia affects white blood cells and lymphoma targets the lymphatic system, multiple myeloma is unique because it mainly impacts plasma cells in your bone marrow.
Which Type of Blood Cancer is Most Dangerous?
AML (acute myeloid leukemia) and multiple myeloma are considered the most dangerous types of blood cancers.
AML progresses quickly and requires urgent treatment, with the potential for severe complications if not addressed immediately.
Multiple myeloma, while developing more slowly, can be just as dangerous. Its symptoms often go unnoticed until significant damage, like bone fractures or kidney issues, has already occurred.
For both, early detection is key to improving outcomes and treatment effectiveness.
What is the First Sign of Multiple Myeloma?
Honestly, that’s a tough one because early symptoms are often vague.
Many people first notice persistent bone pain, especially in the back or ribs. Others experience constant fatigue, frequent infections, or even unexplained weight loss.
It’s easy to brush off these symptoms as signs of getting older or being under stress. But if they linger or worsen, it’s smart to check in with your doctor.
Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma
One of the challenges with multiple myeloma is that its symptoms can be easy to overlook. Often, the early signs are subtle and could be mistaken for other conditions.
But there’s a handy acronym doctors use to remember the key signs of myeloma, known as CRAB:
- Calcium levels elevated (hypercalcemia): This can lead to symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, and confusion.
- Renal (kidney) problems: As the disease progresses, it can damage the kidneys, causing swelling, fatigue, or difficulty urinating.
- Anemia (low red blood cell count): This can lead to symptoms like weakness, fatigue, and pale skin.
- Bone problems (bone pain, fractures): Bone pain, especially in the back, ribs, or hips, is a common symptom. Multiple myeloma can weaken bones and cause fractures, even with minor injuries.
In addition to these CRAB signs, bone marrow edema is another key symptom that can be an early indicator of multiple myeloma.
What is Bone marrow edema?
It refers to the swelling in the bone marrow caused by the abnormal growth of myeloma cells. This can result in pain, tenderness, and inflammation in the bones, which is often felt in the spine, pelvis, or long bones.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider. While they might not immediately point to multiple myeloma, catching them early can lead to a quicker diagnosis and more effective treatment.
Is Multiple Myeloma Hereditary?
A lot of people ask, is multiple myeloma hereditary? The short answer: not exactly.
Multiple myeloma isn’t considered a hereditary disease in the traditional sense.
However, having a close family member with myeloma or other blood cancers might slightly increase your risk.
That said, most people diagnosed with multiple myeloma don’t have a family history at all.
Genetics are just one piece of a much bigger puzzle that includes age, environmental factors, and immune system health.
Smoldering Multiple Myeloma
Before full-blown multiple myeloma develops, many people go through a silent phase called smoldering multiple myeloma.
This early stage doesn’t cause symptoms right away but it still means abnormal plasma cells are present and slowly multiplying.
Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS):
There’s also something called Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS), a mouthful of a term that basically means there’s an unusual protein in the blood, but no actual disease yet.
MGUS is fairly common, especially in older adults, and doesn’t always progress to cancer. However, having MGUS does increase the risk of developing multiple myeloma later on, so doctors typically monitor it closely. Keeping tabs on these early warning signs can be life changing.
Multiple Myeloma Treatment
Now for the good news: multiple myeloma treatment has come a long way. While it’s not yet considered curable, many people live longer, fuller lives thanks to newer therapies.
Treatment plans usually include a mix of:
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy (drugs that focus on cancer cells specifically)
- Immunotherapy (boosting the body’s natural defenses)
- Stem cell transplants (replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy cells)
Doctors customize treatments based on your health, disease stage, and how aggressive the cancer is.
And that’s where clinical trials come in, offering patients access to the latest, most promising therapies.
Multiple Myeloma Clinical Trials
If you’re dealing with multiple myeloma or know someone who is, it’s worth looking into Multiple Myeloma Clinical Trials. These studies test new treatments, sometimes years before they become widely available.
Ask your healthcare provider if there’s a trial you might qualify for. You might end up finding an option that feels right for you.
Nebraska Clinical Trials & Paid Research Opportunities
Several hospitals and research centers across Nebraska are conducting clinical trials for multiple myeloma right now. These trials often focus on cutting-edge immunotherapies, new drugs, or combinations of existing treatments.
Some studies even offer compensation. Paid clinical research studies in Nebraska help cover travel costs, time off work, and other expenses. This makes participation more manageable for many families.
Conclusion
Multiple myeloma is a challenging blood cancer that impacts your body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells.
While there’s no outright cure, treatment options continue to improve, helping many manage their condition and lead fulfilling lives.
For some, multiple myeloma can be managed for years, with periods of remission. However, living with cancer often means adjusting to ongoing treatments and regular checkups. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but remember, your healthcare team is there to support you.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance and resources that can make your journey a little easier.
