Multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, is related to leukemia and lymphoma. While multiple myeloma cannot be cured, there are several treatments which could slow down its progression.
Multiple myeloma occurs when plasma cells, a type of white blood cell, multiply oddly. Usually, plasma cells produce and manufacture antibodies that fight infections. However, in multiple myeloma, they end up releasing excessive protein, known as immunoglobulin in the blood and bones. This causes a build-up throughout the body, resulting in tissue and organ damage.
These plasma cells also tend to crowd the normal blood cells in the bones, releasing chemicals which trigger other cells to dissolve the bones. These weaker areas within the bones are known as lytic lesions. As multiple myeloma worsens, the infected plasma cells start spilling out of the bone marrow and begin spreading throughout the body, leading to severe organ damage.
While the exact cause for multiple myeloma is unknown, there are numerous factors which could increase the risk of developing the disease. Moreover, the lifetime risks of developing multiple myeloma are relatively small. According to the ACS (American Cancer Society), around 1 in every 161 people in the country are diagnosed with multiple myeloma at some point in their lives.
Risk factors for multiple myeloma include the following:
1. General
For reasons that are yet unknown, the occurrence of multiple myeloma is two times higher in African-Americans as compared to Caucasians.
When it comes to multiple myeloma, women are at a lower risk of developing the disease as compared to men.
When it comes to being diagnosed with multiple myeloma, the majority of the people are more than 65 years of age. It has been observed that when it comes to young adults, a very small chunk is diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
2. Body type
According to research, obesity could lead to the risk of being diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
3. Genetics
Having someone from the family who has had multiple myeloma could increase the possibility of developing the disease by four times as compared to others who have no such family history.
4. Other conditions
Some people who have a condition known as MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) could be at risk. In this condition, an abnormal line of antibody-producing plasma cells begin producing M proteins (monoclonal antibody proteins). With time, the spread of the M protein could end up crowding the normal plasma cells that manufacture functional antibodies. According to the ACS, around 1% of the people who have MGUS develop more severe diseases, including multiple myeloma.
There have been cases, although a small number, which have been linked to being exposed to high doses of radiation.