Multiple Myeloma Myths 2023
Plasma cells in bone marrow cause multiple myeloma, a common blood malignancy. It causes 10-15% of blood malignancies. Myeloma incidence in India is roughly 1.0 per 100,000, but current evidence suggests it may rise. Let’s examine some multiple myeloma myths and facts due to a lack of awareness.
Multiple myeloma runs in families: Myth
Just 3–5% of multiple myeloma patients have a family history. Multiple myeloma mutations are acquired, not inherited.
Multiple myeloma breaks bones.
Plasma cell cancer in the bone marrow is myeloma. Therefore, it weakens bones, causes discomfort, and makes them prone to fracture with little effort. Pathological fractures usually affect the skull, spine, pelvis, shoulders, ribs, and hips. Multiple myeloma causes bone discomfort, weakening, and fractures.
Multiple myeloma diagnosis is tough: Myth
Multiple myeloma is easy to diagnose and treat nowadays. Blood tests for blood components, liver and kidney functioning, and monoclonal para protein are used to diagnose multiple myeloma.
Bone marrow tests confirm multiple myeloma. Advanced imaging can determine bone involvement. Advanced molecular genetic methods can potentially stratify myeloma in two days.
Myeloma sufferers live long: Truth
Multiple myeloma treatment has advanced greatly in recent decades. Myeloma biology has improved diagnostic, prognosis, response evaluation, and therapeutic modalities such as immunotherapies and cellular therapies. These breakthroughs have greatly improved myeloma survival rates. Most patients live long and well.
Multiple myeloma is curable: Myth
Despite progress, multiple myeloma has no cure. Nonetheless, it may now be treated and controlled for a long period.
Myeloma bone marrow transplantation uses patient stem cells: Truth
After high-dose chemotherapy to eradicate cancer cells, myeloma patients usually undergo autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This technique controls cancer long-term.
Multiple myeloma treatment is difficult and requires lots of surgery and radiation: Myth
Chemo-immunotherapeutic, biological, and monoclonal antibodies treat multiple myeloma. Most people can avoid surgery.
