Who typically gets multiple myeloma?

adults over 60 – most cases are diagnosed at around the age of 70, and cases affecting people under the age of 40 are rare. black people – multiple myeloma is about twice as common in black populations compared with white and Asian populations.


Who is most likely to get multiple myeloma?

Risk factors
  • Increasing age. Your risk of multiple myeloma increases as you age, with most people diagnosed in their mid-60s.
  • Male sex. ...
  • Black race. ...
  • Family history of multiple myeloma. ...
  • Personal history of a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).


What is the main cause of multiple myeloma?

It's not known exactly what causes multiple myeloma. However, there is a close link between multiple myeloma and a condition called monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS). MGUS is where there is an excess of protein molecules, called immunoglobulins, in your blood.


What is usually the first symptom of multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma causes many symptoms, but bone pain often is the first symptom people notice. Other symptoms include: Weakness in your arms and legs and/or a sensation of numbness in your arms and legs. Multiple myeloma can affect the bones in your spine, causing them to collapse and press on your spinal cord.

How is multiple myeloma usually found?

It is usually found on a routine blood test when looking for other conditions. Although people with multiple myeloma have a monoclonal gammopathy, not everyone with monoclonal gammopathy has multiple myeloma. It can also occur in other diseases, such as Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia and some lymphomas.


Andy, multiple myeloma survivor



When should I suspect myeloma?

Signs and symptoms

It's often only suspected or diagnosed after a routine blood or urine test. However, myeloma will eventually cause a wide range of problems, including: a persistent dull ache or specific areas of tenderness in your bones. weak bones that break (fracture) easily.

How long can you have myeloma before symptoms?

Some people have multiple myeloma for months or years before they even know they're sick. This earliest phase is called smoldering multiple myeloma. When you have it, you won't have any symptoms, but your test results will show: At least 10% to 59% of your bone marrow is made up of cancerous plasma cells.

What are the red flags for multiple myeloma?

High blood levels of calcium

Extreme thirst, leading to drinking a lot. Urinating (peeing) a lot. Dehydration. Kidney problems and even kidney failure.


What conditions are mistaken for myeloma?

Myeloma shares some similar features and symptoms with other blood disorders, including:
  • Monoclonal gammopathy.
  • Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM)
  • Primary amyloidosis.
  • Heavy chain disease.
  • Light chain deposition disease (LCDD)
  • Plasma cell leukemia (PCL)
  • POEMS syndrome.


What is the hallmark symptom of multiple myeloma?

The hallmark symptom of multiple myeloma is bone pain. It often occurs in the back, the hips, and sometimes the skull. Some patients may experience pain that is worse at night, which disrupts their sleep. When you have multiple myeloma, your bones may easily break.

How do you prevent multiple myeloma?

  1. You may lower your risk of developing multiple myeloma by doing the following.
  2. Have a healthy body weight. ...
  3. Avoid exposure to harmful substances in the workplace. ...
  4. Protect yourself from viral infections. ...
  5. Find out if you're at high risk for multiple myeloma. ...
  6. More information about reducing your risk of cancer.


Does stress cause multiple myeloma?

Stress can be a very destructive force when it comes to myeloma. Stress really disrupts the immune system and myeloma is a cancer of the immune system. In addition, the stress hormone noradrenaline (the "flight" hormone, versus adrenaline, the "fight" hormone) can actually trigger cancer cell growth directly.

Does myeloma show up in blood test?

Laboratory analysis of your blood may reveal the M proteins produced by myeloma cells. Another abnormal protein produced by myeloma cells — called beta-2-microglobulin — may be detected in your blood and give your doctor clues about the aggressiveness of your myeloma.

How long does it take multiple myeloma to develop?

Smoldering myeloma is a precancerous condition that alters certain proteins in blood and/or increases plasma cells in bone marrow, but it does not cause symptoms of disease. About half of those diagnosed with the condition, however, will develop multiple myeloma within 5 years.


What are some risk factors for multiple myeloma?

Here are a few risk factors that could affect someone's chance of getting multiple myeloma.
  • Age. The risk of developing multiple myeloma goes up as people get older. ...
  • Gender. Men are slightly more likely to develop multiple myeloma than women.
  • Race. ...
  • Family history. ...
  • Obesity. ...
  • Having other plasma cell diseases.


Does obesity cause multiple myeloma?

Obesity is increasingly associated with the transformation of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) into multiple myeloma (MM). Obesity, MGUS, and MM share common etiopathogenesis mechanisms including altered insulin axis and the action of inflammatory cytokines.

Which is the most definitive test to confirm multiple myeloma?

Bone marrow biopsy
  • This test is required to confirm the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. ...
  • Our hematopathologists examine the tissue under a microscope to determine if there are myeloma cells in the bone marrow.


Where does multiple myeloma start?

Multiple myeloma, the most common type of plasma cell tumor, develops in the bone marrow and can spread throughout the body. Solitary plasmacytoma is a single plasma cell tumor that develops in one part of the body, often in a bone.

How do doctors test for multiple myeloma?

A bone marrow biopsy is usually needed to confirm multiple myeloma. A needle is used to take a small sample of bone marrow (where all the blood cells are made) from one of your bones, usually the pelvis. A small sample of bone may also be removed.

Can you lead a normal life with myeloma?

Apart from ongoing monitoring, most myeloma patients are able to live fairly normal lives, with few restrictions on low-impact exercise and other activity.


Do you sleep a lot with myeloma?

People living with multiple myeloma can feel extremely tired even if they're getting enough sleep. This condition is called fatigue. It's important to recognize the symptoms of fatigue and to report those symptoms to your healthcare team.

What is stage1 myeloma?

The ISS divides myeloma into 3 stages: Stage 1 means: the level of the protein called beta 2 microglobulin (ß2-microglobulin or ß2-M) is less than 3.5 milligrams per litre (mg/L)​ the level of albumin in the blood is more than 3.5 grams per decilitre (g/dL)

What blood test confirms multiple myeloma?

Serum free light chains

This blood test can measure the light chain levels in the blood and is done when looking for myeloma or light chain amyloidosis.


Should family members be tested for multiple myeloma?

Although the mutations that cause myeloma are acquired and not inherited, family history is a known risk factor for multiple myeloma. First-degree relatives of people with multiple myeloma have a 2 to 3 times higher risk of developing the disease. First-degree relatives are parents, siblings, and children.

Can you see myeloma on MRI?

MRI is useful for imaging multiple myeloma because of its superior soft-tissue contrast resolution. The typical appearance of a myeloma deposit is a round, low signal intensity (relative to muscle) focus on T1-weighted images, which becomes high in signal intensity on T2-weighted sequences.