Custom Search
|
|
What Is Myeloma? - And How You Can Help Beat It.
One of the leading Myeloma charities is Myeloma UK.They offer information and support for sufferers and they also raise money for research into Myeloma. So what is myeloma? Maybe this article can help. Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a type of bone marrow cancer arising from plasma cells, which are normally found in the bone marrow. Plasma cells form part of your immune system. Normal plasma cells produce antibodies (also called immunoglobulins) to help fight infection. In myeloma, the abnormal plasma cells release only one type of antibody known as paraprotein which has no useful function. It is often through the measurement of this paraprotein that myeloma is diagnosed and monitored. Bone marrow is the 'spongy' material found in the centre of larger bones in the body (see below). As well as being home to plasma cells, the bone marrow is the centre of blood cell production (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets). In myeloma, the DNA of a plasma cell is damaged causing it to become malignant or cancerous. These abnormal plasma cells are known as myeloma cells. Unlike many cancers, myeloma does not exist as a lump or tumour. Instead, the myeloma cells normally divide and expand within the bone marrow. Myeloma affects multiple (hence multiple myeloma) places in the body where bone marrow is normally active in an adult, i.e. within the bones of the spine, skull, pelvis, the rib cage, and the areas around the shoulders and hips. The areas usually not affected are the extremities: that is the hands, feet, and lower arm / leg regions. This is very important since the function of these critical areas is usually fully retained. Most of the medical problems related to myeloma are caused by the build up of myeloma cells in the bone marrow and the presence of the paraprotein in the blood or in the urine. Common problems are bone pain, bone fractures, tiredness (due to anaemia), frequent or recurrent infections (such as bacterial pneumonia, urinary tract infections and shingles), kidney damage and hypercalcaemia. Some people go on to develop myeloma after having been diagnosed with a benign (non-malignant) condition called MGUS which stands for Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance. This term describes the condition of the raised abnormal protein seen in myeloma (the paraprotein), but where there are no other features of the disease (less than 10% plasma cells in bone marrow and no evidence of bone disease). The risk of transition from MGUS to active myeloma is very low; only a 1% chance each year of follow-up. Even if the myeloma cells are at a higher level of 10-30% of the total bone marrow, the growth rate can be very slow and represent indolent / smouldering or asymptomatic myeloma. Both these conditions can change very slowly over a period of years and do not require active treatment. It is very important to establish the correct diagnosis distinguishing MGUS and indolent myeloma from active or symptomatic myeloma, which does require treatment. There have been many new developments in the treatment and management of myeloma over the last few years that have had a significant impact on the way myeloma is treated. Research is on-going to develop new treatments and to use existing treatments in a better, more effective way. Many of the current and new developments are discussed in this section. Treatments for myeloma can be very effective at halting its progress, controlling the symptoms, and improving quality of life, but they are not able to cure it. Even after successful treatment, regular monitoring is needed in case the myeloma comes back. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com HERE`S THE LINK AGAIN www.myeloma.org.uk Charity Faith Hope supports numerous charitable causes by publishing their good works and contact link details in article directories. Hopefully this will raise awareness and support for their cause. |
|