|  | Cancer | Other Cancers

Is Multiple Myeloma a Malignant Disease?

Multiple myeloma is diagnosed in around 15,000 people each year in the United States alone. In multiple myeloma, white plasma cells multiply too rapidly, causing a variety of complications and symptoms in the body.

  1. Malignancy

    • Multiple myeloma is classified as a blood cancer. Since all cancers are classified as malignant diseases, multiple myeloma is also classified as a malignant disease.

    Diagnosis

    • Multiple myeloma is diagnosed using a variety of tests including bone marrow biopsies, body scans and blood work. Malignancy is diagnosed when more than 10 percent of plasma cells are white cells, when M proteins are elevated and when tumors are seen. There are three stages of multiple myeloma, and lab work will help physicians to determine the progression of the disease.

    Symptoms

    • As multiple myeloma progresses, patients may experience bone pain, fractured bones, anemia, infections, weight loss, weakness and symptoms caused by elevated blood calcium.

    Treatment

    • Multiple myeloma is treated through chemotherapy, corticosteroids, stem cell transplantation and radiation. Biphosphonates may be used to slow down damage caused by bone loss, while dialysis helps to manage failed kidneys and erythropoietin injections manage anemia.

    Prognosis

    • Prognosis depends on a variety of factors including disease stage, treatment course and individual response to the course of treatment. Discussing concerns with your physician can help provide answers to your questions.

Other Cancers - Related Articles