Question 1

what is myeloma?

Accepted Answer

Bone marrow disease: Myeloma is a malignant disorder characterized by excessive growth of plasma cells. It can several complications: excess levels of calcium in the blood, kidney failure, nerve damage, weakening of the bones, increased risk of infections (to name a few).

Question 2

how bad is pain in myeloma?

Accepted Answer

Only if fracture +: Not everybody who has myeloma will have fracture when diagnosed. Yes, myeloma will involve the bone and there would be increased risk for fracture- however- just because one has myeloma-it does not mean that it is identical to pain unless you have fracture. And if you do-it depends on your tolerance to pain and how severe the fracture is. Pain is very subjective. Discuss with oncologist.

Question 3

what tests diagnose myeloma?

Accepted Answer

Electrophoresis and: Free serum light chain tests.  Multiple myeloma is generally diagnosed by electrophoresis of serum, urine and free serum light chain test.  X-rays of the bone may reveal lytic lesions that are a strong indicator of the disease.  Confirmation of the diagnosis requires examination of bone marrow by a pathologist.

Question 4

is plasma cell myeloma hereditary?

Accepted Answer

No: It occasionally occurs in families but this is quite rare. This always brings up the question if it is hereditary or more environmentally related.

Question 5

wo is at risk for  multipule myeloma?

Accepted Answer

Unknown/MGUS: The exact cause of multiple myeloma is not known. Myeloma is almost always (?Always) preceded by monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (mgus). Risks: age, male gender, black race; radiation, benzene/petroleum exposure. Laboratory studies can help predict risk of conversion from mgus to myeloma. Genome sequencing may help provide answers in populations and individuals.

Question 6

what are the different stages is the myeloma?

Accepted Answer

ISS - Greipp et al.: International staging system -- the international staging system (iss) for myeloma was published by the intl myeloma working group in 2005: it is useful for comparing clinical trial , but has limited utility for each individual. Stage i: β2-microglobulin (β2m) < 3.5 mg/l, Albumin >= 3.5 g/dl stage ii: β2m < 3.5 & Albumin < 3.5 ; or β2m 3.5- 5.5 irrespective of serum albumin stage iii: β2m >= 5.5.

Question 7

what increases my risk for developing myeloma if i tried to avoid sun since 19?

Accepted Answer

Not known: Sun exposure is not related to myeloma and causative factors for this cancer have not been well elucidated.

Question 8

does cytoxin cause myeloma?

Accepted Answer

Not really: Used to treat myeloma and very rarely (in high doses) associated with acute leukemia's.

Question 9

is multiple myeloma hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Not generally...: Myeloma and other hematologic malignancies are not generally considered "hereditary"/familial, but some are. Risk in family members is around 2x risk of population.
An nci study is characterizing:

screening individuals and families at high risk for hematologic cancers

nct00052234

http://clinicaltrials.Gov/ct2/show/nct00052234?Term=nct00052234&rank=1.

Question 10

how common is multiple myeloma?

Accepted Answer

1% : 1% of all cancers.
2nd most common hematologic malignancy.
A great nci snapshot link:
http://www.Cancer.Gov/aboutnci/servingpeople/snapshots/myeloma.Pdf.

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The myeloma beacon

A member asked:

What is myeloma?

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How bad is pain in myeloma?

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What tests diagnose myeloma?

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Is plasma cell myeloma hereditary?

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Wo is at risk for multipule myeloma?

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What are the different stages is the myeloma?

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What increases my risk for developing myeloma if i tried to avoid sun since 19?

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Does cytoxin cause myeloma?

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Is multiple myeloma hereditary?

A member asked:

How common is multiple myeloma?

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