Cancer is defined as a condition where cells begin to grow out of control. Any cell in the body can become cancerous and they have the ability to spread to different areas. Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells. There is no known cure but there are treatments that could slow its growth.

Plasma cells are usually found in the bone marrow and play an important role in the immune system. They are one of the several types of cells that work together to fight contagions and other diseases. One of the main types of white blood cells in the immune system is the lymphocytes (or lymph cells) and it includes T cells and B cells. They are found in many areas of the body, such as the bone marrow, lymph nodes, the intestines, and blood. B cells mature and change into plasma cells when they respond to an infection. These plasma cells make the antibodies called immunoglobulins that are used to neutralize germs.

When plasma cells become cancerous, they throng normal blood cells in bones and end up releasing chemicals that are a trigger for other cells to start dissolving the bone. This causes your bones to become very weak. As multiple myeloma worsens, the plasma cells start spilling out of the bone marrow to make its way through the body and eventually cause more organ damage.

It is not yet clear what causes multiple myeloma. But you are likely to get it if you have the following risk factors:

• Older than 65 years
• Someone in your family has it
• Have other plasma cell diseases that increase the chances of developing multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma has very few symptoms early on. In time, you may show signs of:

• Weak bones that fracture easily
• Weight loss
• Weakness and fatigue
• Anemia/Low blood count (caused by the overcrowding plasma cells)
• Excess calcium in blood (hypercalcemia)
• High protein levels in your blood, along with a low albumin level
• Kidney problems caused by antibodies made by the cancer cells
• Increased bleeding and bruising
• Low resistance to infections (due to low blood count)

To diagnose the disease, doctors may opt for a complete blood count. In combination with other specialized blood and urine tests, doctors look for how much and what kinds of abnormal proteins are being made by the body. Based on the tests, a bone marrow biopsy may be carried out to check the number of plasma cells in it. X-rays can show spots of bone weakened by multiple myeloma, and the process can also include CT, MRI, or PET scans. Multiple myeloma cases are usually graded as standard, intermediate, or high risk.

If you don’t exhibit any symptoms, doctors may choose to keep a close watch rather than beginning treatment right away. If you are suffering from symptoms, doctors will work with you to come up with a treatment plan that can involve traditional or experimental cancer treatment methods depending on the situation. They will also try to improve the quality of your life by managing your symptoms and nutritional habits.

Eating a healthy diet, exercising, getting plenty of rest, doing things you enjoy, and seeking help from family and support groups are highly beneficial in coping with the treatment.