Multiple Myeloma: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Men and women over the age of 60 are at increasing risk for a type of cancer called multiple myeloma. Although it can happen in younger people, the majority of people diagnosed our senior citizens.
It is important to check for early signs and symptoms. If you have any of the signs or symptoms outlined in this article and online in general, talk to your physician immediately about the possibility of a diagnosis. Also, it helps to early on understand the treatment options available to you.
First Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma
In order to recognize the signs that you may have this relatively rare cancer, first make sense to understand what part of the body systems it affects. Unlike cancers that specifically target organs like the lungs or liver, multiple myeloma affects the plasma cells in the blood stream1. For a while after developing this disease, there are no signs at all. However, if you begin to experience the following, it is time for a conversation with your doctor.
- Uncharacteristic fatigue or exhaustion
- Pain in your bones
- Broken bones or fractures occurring more easily
- Pinched nerves
- Compromised immune response
Diagnostic Methods for Multiple Myeloma
Once you bring your concerns your physician's attention, they will order specific tests to determine if a cancer diagnosis is appropriate for your case. There are four tests specifically tailored to the multiple myeloma disease2. These include:
- A urine tests
- A blood test count different types of cells
- Testing samples of your bone marrow
- X-rays, MRIs, and other imaging tests
If the diagnosis is not clear after this medical regimen, your physician may also arrange for other tests to make sure that you do not have other types of cancer or diseases that can cause the same symptoms. Multiple myeloma is a relatively rare diagnosis, so it makes sense to rule out other conditions.
Treatment Options for Multiple Myeloma Diagnoses
As with most other types of cancer, multiple myeloma has no definitive cure. Instead, the treatments seek to help you live as long as possible without pain or discomfort3. This is especially important because bone pain is one of the top symptoms associated with this disease. The treatments intended to increase longevity can extend a five-year life expectancy for a considerable time more.
In order to minimize the pain and discomfort often associated with this cancer diagnosis, you may receive a prescription for morphine, fentanyl, or some other type of opioid. As there is a risk of addiction and dependency these medications, your physician will monitor your drug plan carefully. This is also important because pain-relieving medications lose their efficacy after being used for an extended period of time.
Other prescription options include medications designed to boost your immune system. These will counteract deficiencies that naturally come along with multiple myeloma. Also, there are some medications specifically designed to help eliminate the cancer cell proteins. This can slow down the progression of the disease quite effectively.
As with most cancers, people who have multiple myeloma may also receive chemotherapy. This treatment includes powerful drugs that kill cancer cells. Unfortunately, they also cause a host of uncomfortable side effects that can reduce your quality of life considerably. For some, a bone marrow transplant is possible.
1. https://themmrf.org/multiple-myeloma/what-is-multiple-myeloma/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-myeloma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353383
3. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/treating.html
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You can use willow bark for pain relief instead of aspirin. The secret to pain relief may be in your backyard. For centuries, willow bark has been used as an alternative to aspirin. The active ingredient in the bark, salicyl, turns to salicylic acid and is more gentle on the stomach than over-the-counter aspirin. But before you throw out all of your aspirin, here’s 7 household aspirin uses you never knew about.
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You can use willow bark for pain relief instead of aspirin. The secret to pain relief may be in your backyard. For centuries, willow bark has been used as an alternative to aspirin. The active ingredient in the bark, salicyl, turns to salicylic acid and is more gentle on the stomach than over-the-counter aspirin. But before you throw out all of your aspirin, here’s 7 household aspirin uses you never knew about.
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You can use willow bark for pain relief instead of aspirin. The secret to pain relief may be in your backyard. For centuries, willow bark has been used as an alternative to aspirin. The active ingredient in the bark, salicyl, turns to salicylic acid and is more gentle on the stomach than over-the-counter aspirin. But before you throw out all of your aspirin, here’s 7 household aspirin uses you never knew about.
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You can use willow bark for pain relief instead of aspirin. The secret to pain relief may be in your backyard. For centuries, willow bark has been used as an alternative to aspirin. The active ingredient in the bark, salicyl, turns to salicylic acid and is more gentle on the stomach than over-the-counter aspirin. But before you throw out all of your aspirin, here’s 7 household aspirin uses you never knew about.
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You can use willow bark for pain relief instead of aspirin. The secret to pain relief may be in your backyard. For centuries, willow bark has been used as an alternative to aspirin. The active ingredient in the bark, salicyl, turns to salicylic acid and is more gentle on the stomach than over-the-counter aspirin. But before you throw out all of your aspirin, here’s 7 household aspirin uses you never knew about.