Other names: Cancer, Malignant Plasmacytoma; Cancer, Multiple Myeloma; Cancer, Plasma Cell Dyscrasia; Cancer, Plasma Cell Myeloma; Malignant Plasmacytoma; Myeloma, Multiple; Plasma Cell Dyscrasia; Plasma Cell Myeloma; Plasmacytoma of Bone
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that forms in plasma cells (also called mature B-lymphocytes), which are a type of white blood cell that is made in the bone marrow. These plasma cells produce a specific type of antibody that helps to fight infections.
Myeloma develops when plasma cells undergo a cancerous change and turn into myeloma cells. These myeloma cells multiply randomly and without order, forming collections of cells called tumors that accumulate most commonly in the bone marrow and on the surfaces of different bones in the body.
These crowd the bone marrow and prevent it from making antibodies and other blood cells, such as red cells, white cells, and platelets.
Myeloma cells secrete chemicals that stimulate osteoclasts (which are cells that break down bone, removing calcium). This causes bones to become weaker and more brittle, which mean they fracture more easily.
Myeloma cells also produce an abnormal type of immunoglobulin that can be detected in the blood. This immunoglobulin may also be called monoclonal immunoglobulin, myeloma protein, or simply M protein. The myeloma type is described by which type of excess immunoglobulin is produced (heavy or light chain myeloma).
Multiple myeloma is considered a rare type of cancer,
What are the Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma?
Early in the disease process, multiple myeloma may not cause any symptoms, and even after diagnosis, treatment may not be needed immediately.
But as it progresses, symptoms of multiple myeloma can include:
Bone pain, often in the back and ribs
Extreme fatigue
Easy bruising due to low platelets
Anemia
Loss of appetite
Stomach problems like nausea and vomiting
Mental changes like confusion
Increased susceptibility to infections
Bone fractures
Dehydration
Kidney problems.
How is Multiple Myeloma Diagnosed?
Symptoms of multiple myeloma usually don't appear until the disease is more advanced. However, in some cases, your doctor might suspect multiple myeloma based on a blood or urine test taken for another reason.
The following tests may be used during the diagnosis of multiple myeloma:
Blood tests (CBC) to look for blood cell counts and certain proteins
Urine tests to also look for proteins
Bone marrow biopsy to look for myeloma cells
Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, CT or positron emission tomography (PET)
Other tests and procedures may be used as well, depending upon your circumstances.
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Rx
Prescription only.
OTC
Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC
Prescription or Over-the-counter.
Off-label
This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
EUA
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Pregnancy Category
A
Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B
Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C
Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D
There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X
Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N
FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M
The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U
CSA Schedule is unknown.
N
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1
Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2
Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3
Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X
Interacts with Alcohol.
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