ما هو المايلوما المتعددة؟
**What is Multiple Myeloma?**
Multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, is characterized by excessive production of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow. These abnormal plasma cells, known as myeloma cells, interfere with normal bone marrow function and can lead to serious health issues.
**Causes and Risk Factors**
The exact cause of multiple myeloma is unknown, but certain risk factors are associated with its development:
* Age (most commonly diagnosed in people over 65)
* Race (more common in African Americans)
* Obesity
* Family history of multiple myeloma
* Exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., benzene)
**Signs and Symptoms**
Multiple myeloma can manifest with varying symptoms, depending on the severity and location of the myeloma cells:
* Bone pain (in the back, hips, ribs, or skull)
* Fatigue
* Weakness
* Anemia
* Frequent infections
* Kidney problems
* Weight loss
* Neurological issues
**Diagnosis**
Diagnosing multiple myeloma involves a combination of tests, including:
* Blood tests (CBC, immunoglobulins)
* Urine tests (proteinuria)
* Imaging tests (X-rays, MRI, PET scans)
* Bone marrow biopsy
**Treatment**
Treatment for multiple myeloma typically includes a combination of therapies aimed at controlling myeloma cell growth and improving quality of life:
* Chemotherapy
* Radiation therapy
* Targeted therapy (e.g., proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs)
* Supportive care (e.g., pain management, blood transfusions)
* Autologous stem cell transplant
**Prognosis and Outlook**
The prognosis and outlook of multiple myeloma vary depending on factors such as the stage of the disease, overall health, and response to treatment. With advances in treatment options, survival times have improved significantly in recent years. It is important to follow regular medical checkups and follow the prescribed treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcomes.
**Additional Keywords:**
* Blood cancer
* Malignant myeloma
* Plasmacytoma
* Monoclonal gammopathy
* Bone marrow cancer
* Plasma cell disorder
* Cancer of the bone marrow
This is cancer of the plasma cells by a type of white blood cell made in the bone marrow.
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell made in the bone marrow.