Multiple myeloma is a little-known, devastating cancer of the bone marrow for which there is no known cure. Multiple myeloma affects approximately 75,000 to 100,000 people in the United States, and with more than 15,000 new cases diagnosed each year, is one of the fastest-growing cancers in the Western world. Despite its high numbers and devastating effects, the public — both patients and physicians — remains largely unaware of myeloma. As a result, patients can go mis- or undiagnosed for years.
MULTIPLE MYELOMA is a blood disorder caused by the proliferation of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow. It develops when a plasma cell genetically mutates then takes over and crowds out the normal healthy plasma cells. This results in anemias, compromised immune function and bone loss. The symptoms are often ambiguous and easily attributed to commonplace disorders.
Fatigue, frequent infections, and various aches and pains or even no symptoms at all may be the only signs in the early stages. However as the disease progresses there will be high levels of proteins and calcium ( from the bone loss) present in the blood which can then lead to confusion, kidney damage, fractures, severe pain, and nerve damage.
There is is a simple blood test, SPEP (serum protein electrophoresis) which can lead to an early diagnosis if you have a doctor who is familiar with this disease.
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