Multiple myeloma is a rare kind of cancer that affects the plasma cells in our bone marrow. This illness occurs when there is a defective plasma cell, and it reproduces quickly, causing it to outweigh the healthy cells in the bone marrow. This rapid reproduction is what crowds the otherwise healthy white and red blood cells. According to research done by Stanford University, multiple myeloma accounts for only 1 percent of all cancer cases in the country. In numbers, only about 4 to 5 out of 100,000 are diagnosed with this illness.
Causes
There is no particular cause known for this disease; however, being aware of certain risk factors can keep an individual informed and help look out for any symptoms.
These are the types of people who are at a higher risk of developing this rare illness.
- Those over the age of 50
- Males
- Those who are overweight or obese
- Those who are exposed to radiation
- African-Americans
- Those employed in the petroleum industry
- Those with a history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
Symptoms
- Weakness/numbness, especially in the legs
- Vomiting
- Problem urinating
- Nausea
- Repeated infections
- Vision loss or problems
- Unintentional weight loss
As with every disease, the intensity of experiencing the symptom will vary from person to person. However, as the illness progresses, the symptoms will be more and more noticeable.
Treatment
Chemotherapy
This type of treatment aggressively kills the fast-growing cells in the body. The therapy’s medication is given in high doses and can either be taken intravenously or in pill form.
Biological therapy
This method uses the body’s immune system to attach the unhealthy cells that make the person sick. There are pills given to boost the immune system of the patient.
Targeted therapy
With this therapy, the chemical that destroys the proteins is blocked, causing these unhealthy, cancerous cells to die. The medication is either administered intravenously or through a vein in your arm.
Corticosteroids
Medications that have corticosteroids are taken to balance the body’s immune system and reduce inflammation. This can be taken intravenously or in pill form.
Radiation therapy
Using strong beams of energy, this type of treatment is specifically done to treat tumors.
Stem cell transplants
This involves replacing the unhealthy, damaged bone marrow with a healthy bone marrow provided by a donor.
Alternative treatments
Along with the medical treatments, many people have started to experiment with alternative remedies that help to cope with the disease’s symptoms and with the side effects of some of the above treatments.
Acupuncture, massage, meditation, aromatherapy, and relaxation methods are just some ways for people to manage the symptoms of this disease.
Diet
It is always advisable to speak to a certified doctor for any specific dietary requirements for the body, as it goes through a rigorous treatment plan. There are some basic tips that one can follow that will provide the person with the strength and energy to cope with the side-effects of the treatments and the illness.
- It’s important to maintain a healthy weight, so make sure calorie intake is enough daily.
- Do not go on any crash diets.
- Include foods rich in protein like eggs, fish, and nuts
- Foods that are good with cell repair should also be added to the diet
- Since nausea is frequent, make sure to consume more bland foods like yogurt or potatoes
- Eat small meals every 3 hours to keep the energy up
- Consuming whole grain foods is advisable
- Avoid alcohol and limit sweets or sugars from your diet
Since an individual is prone to more infections during the disease, it is essential to follow strict health hygiene. Consult your doctor before making any drastic dietary changes.
