Multiple Myeloma Lifespan

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) multiple myeloma is an uncommon type of cancer that develops in plasma cells (type of white blood cell that help fight off infection). Over time, malignant myeloma cells multiply and gather in the bone marrow. When myeloma cells accumulate in a number of your bones, the disease is known as multiple myeloma. There is currently no cure for multiple myeloma.

Effects

• The American Cancer Society (ACS) says about 20,580 men and women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma during 2009. An estimated 10,580 adult were expected to die of the disease in 2008.

  The ACS says in multiple myeloma, the overgrowth of plasma cells in the bone marrow pushes out the normal blood-forming cells, which can lead to anemia (a disparity of red blood cells).

  Multiple myeloma can also lower the level of platelets in the blood, making patients more prone to bleeding and bruising.

Symptoms

• At the onset of the multiple myeloma there may be few if any symptoms. As the disease progresses, you may feel tired and weak and suffer from nausea or constipation.

  You also may experience bone pain especially in the ribs and back and may suffer from broken bones most often in the spine.

  Other signs of multiple myeloma include fevers, frequent urination, excessive thirst and weight loss.

Watchful Waiting

• If symptoms are not present (smoldering myeloma or stage 1 myeloma) your doctor may suggest "watchful waiting," delaying treatment until you begin to experience signs of the disease. During this wait-and-see period you will likely visit your doctor every three months.

Treatment

• The NCI says there are several treatment options available for multiple myeloma. Chemotherapy destroys fast-growing myeloma cells. Targeted therapies use drugs that inhibit the growth of myeloma cells by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that encourages the growth of myeloma cells.

  In some cases steroids are used alone or with other therapies to treat myeloma. The theory is that steroids kill myeloma cells.

Prognosis

• The signs and symptoms of myeloma may improve for a period of time but few if any patients can really consider themselves cured of the condition. The majority of patients diagnosed with myeloma will eventually die of it. An estimated 10 per cent of patients are alive more than 10 years after diagnosis, according to NetDoctor.co.uk.

Survival Rate

• The American Cancer Society says the five-year relative survival rate for multiple myeloma is approximately 35 percent. Younger people have a more promising outlook than do the elderly.

  The ACS says recent advances in treatment may result in a more favorable outlook for newly diagnosed patients.