What is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells.  This cancer generally develops in people over of the age of 50.  It is the second-most widespread cancer in the United States.  Plasma cells help your body fight infection by producing proteins called antibodies. In Multiple Myeloma, plasma cells grow out of control in the bone marrow and form tumors in the areas of solid bone and body tissue.

Symptoms:

• bone pain
• fatigue
• weight loss

• infection
• paleness
• fever
• shortness of breath
• Complications include:
• kidney failure
• bone fractures
• high levels of calcium
• increased risk of infection

Treatment:

• Drug Treatments include;
• Dexamethasone
• Melphalan
• Cyclophosphamide
• Doxorubicin
• Thalidomide
• Lenalidomide (Revlimid)
• Bortezomib (Velcade)
• Radiation therapy
• bone marrow transplant

Statistics:

• lifetime risk of getting it in the United States is .67%
• in 2013:
• an expected 22,350 cases will be diagnosed
• an expected 10,710 deaths will occur due to Multiple Myeloma