Know about the diagnosis and treatments for Multiple Myeloma
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Know about the diagnosis and treatments for Multiple Myeloma

Multiple Myeloma can be difficult to diagnose, depending on what type it is and if it shows recognizable symptoms or not. In some cases, it can cause symptoms like pain in bones, weakness, loss of appetite, and so on. An accidental detection of Multiple Myeloma while undergoing blood tests is a common occurrence. Doctors, otherwise, identify strong signs and symptoms upon examination and recommend tests to confirm the presence of this disease.

Tests to diagnose multiple myeloma

  • Blood tests
    M proteins are identified through blood tests, which may suggest the presence of myeloma cells. Presence of beta-2-microglobulin may be suggestive of the number of myeloma cells in the body. Blood tests are also conducted to determine the soundness of kidneys, levels of calcium and uric acid.
  • Urine tests
    Laboratory urine tests may show traces of M-protein, which are, then, called the Bence Jones Proteins.
  • Biopsy
    A biopsy to extract a sample from the bone marrow, and subsequent tests to examine the presence of myeloma cells, is an important method of diagnosis. Lab tests may include specialized tests. For example, Fluorescence in situ hybridization helps identify genetic abnormalities of myeloma cells. Other tests are conducted to detect the speed at which myeloma cells divide.
  • Imaging tests
    Tests such as X-ray, MRI, Positron Emission Tomography or CT scan can be used to find any problems associated with multiple myeloma.

Treatment
After the diagnosis is of multiple myeloma is done, one needs to consult the doctor about effective treatments for the same. When no symptom of multiple myeloma is experienced but is diagnosed, immediate treatment may not be necessary. Doctors may resort to regular monitoring, and periodic blood and urine tests, to see signs of progress.

The following are the options considered by the doctor once the treatment begins:

  • Targeted therapies focus on specific abnormalities, administering specific medicines through veins, or orally through pills.
  • Biological therapies are used to strengthen the immune systems using pills.
  • Chemotherapy is done to kill the spread of myeloma and malignant cells. High dosage chemotherapy medicines are infused before a bone marrow transplant.
  • Administering steroids are used to regulate the immune system, through veins in the arms, or pills.
  • Radiation therapy is also another treatment option. Exposing myeloma cells to high energy rays such as X-rays and protons can prevent their growth and damage them. This may also be used to shrink the tumor in a specific area.

Addressing complications
Treatments can help address certain complications arising from multiple myeloma, which may be:

  • Reduction in Bone pain through radiation therapy, pain medications, and surgery
  • People suffering severe kidney damage may need dialysis to help with kidney function
  • Vaccination to treat certain side effects such as flu and influenza
  • Medications to help prevent loss of bones
  • Medications to increase blood count and prevent anemia

Post-treatment of multiple myeloma
For people who are successfully treated, it is not uncommon to feel worried about the disease relapsing. For others who do not fully recover post-treatment, it is important to learn to live with the disease and manage it as well as possible. This is where follow-up treatments become important to help monitor progress, in terms of recovery and battling side effects.

It might not be possible to cure multiple myeloma, however, proper treatment and care can help manage and handle complications arising out of the disease. Follow up visits to the doctor are important in the long term so that suffering is minimized and the effort to ensure longevity is uncompromised.

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