Multiple myeloma is formed by cancerous plasma cells in the blood. Certain cells in the body’s immune system, namely the lymphocytes or lymph cells, are of two kinds – B and cells. B cells transform into plasma cells when they respond to infections, which manufacture antibodies proteins. These help kill germs. Uncontrolled growth of these plasma cells form tumors called myeloma/multiple myeloma, which affects the bone marrow and weakens the organs.

1. Causes and risk factors of multiple myeloma
While the cause for multiple myeloma is unknown, experts suspect that changes in DNA can cause plasma cells to become cancerous. However, apart from age, most people who have suffered from multiple myeloma have had no other risk factors.

• Age
  Age is the biggest risk factor for multiple myeloma. More than 50% of the people who have had multiple myeloma were above the age of 71.
• Gender
  Women are less likely to get multiple myeloma than men.
• Race
  African Americans are twice as susceptible to getting multiple myeloma as compared to people of other races or ethnicities.
• Radiation exposure
  While this has been seen in very few cases, one can also be more susceptible to multiple myeloma if they have been exposed to radioactivity.
• Exposure on the job
  According to some studies, those people who worked in certain oil-related industries could be at a higher risk of multiple myeloma.
• Weight
  According to the American Cancer Society, obese/overweight people are at risk of developing multiple myeloma.
• Other plasma cell diseases
  One who has been suffering from other plasma cell diseases could also develop multiple myeloma later in life.

2. Symptoms of multiple myeloma
Some of the common symptoms and signs of multiple myeloma include:

• Frequent urination
• Nausea or constipation
• Unintentional weight loss
• Frequent infections and fevers
• Excessive thirst
• Pale complexion from anemia, a common medical problem for patients with myeloma
• Weakness and fatigue
• Broken bones, usually in the spine
• Bone pain usually in the back (earliest, commonest sign of myeloma)

More often than not, these symptoms aren’t due to multiple myeloma and cancer; other health problems could also cause these symptoms.

3. Preventing and treating multiple myeloma
When it comes to multiple myeloma, there are no risk factors that can be avoided. Also, there are no known ways of preventing the disease in those people who have other plasma cell diseases.

Treatment for multiple myeloma includes surgery (in the most extreme cases), stem cell transplants, radiation therapy, chemotherapy medications, and medicines that modulate the immune system. Specialists such as spine surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, stem cell transplantation experts, radiologists, hematologists, and oncologists should be a part of the treatment plan.

While the median survival time of those with multiple myeloma is about three years, some patients could have a life expectancy of a decade as well.