Multiple Myeloma
Sometimes a white blood cell which is known as plasma cell, multiplies abnormally. In general, plasma cells help to make antibodies in the blood, and they fight against infections. Nonetheless, when it is Multiple Myeloma, then they release an excessive amount of protein into the blood as well as the bones. It is called immunoglobulin. This can develop throughout the body and cause damage to multiple organs by covering the normal blood cells in the bone.
Signs and Symptoms
At the early stage, this ailment may not show you any symptom. In most of the cases, the signs can be noticed at the final or serious stage. The common signs are
- Feeling weak and fatigued all the time
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bone pain
- In some rare cases, the patient may have purplish lumps visible under the skin
Causes & Risk Factors
The actual causes of Multiple Myeloma are still not recognized. However, the doctors find out some risk factors for the same.
- When you are more than 65 years old
- When you belong to the African-American community
- When you have family member with the history of this ailment
When to see a doctor
Since there is no certain symptom for this disease, it is hard to decide when to go to the doctor. Nevertheless, if you feel sleepy throughout the day for no reason or notice unexplained weight loss, then you can consult your doctor. In case you see the purplish lump then also you can call your doctor.
Treatment and Management
SCT or Stem Cell Transplantation is considered as the most effective treatment for Multiple Myeloma worldwide.