Question 1

45 y/o w unexplained severe anemia, high calcium, body pain, history gluten intolerance, poss diabetes. should she test for myeloma? other possible causes?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Myeloma is one of many possible causes for anemia but GI issues also need to be eliminated. The high calcium can also be associated with myeloma but again there are several other possible causes.

Question 2

i have inconsistent tests that lean toward multiple myeloma or mgus. first xray lytic lesion; globulin series serum & urine monoclonal positive to gamma; 24 hr electopherurine neg; beginning anemia; bun off; other small abnormals. bone survey neg.

Accepted Answer

Complicated question: I am not going to be able to give you a better answer here - too complicated. You should have had a good discussion with your oncologist about what this all means.  If you have a lytic lesion it may be reasonable to obtain biopsy.

Question 3

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 4

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 5

treatment for relapsed myeloma?

Accepted Answer

See your oncologist: Hi! for an initial case or relapse of multiple myeloma, the oncologist needs to be guiding the management.  It is a complex disease that requires the expertise of the oncologist, and the medications that are used depend on your overall medical status.

Question 6

what is myeloma cancer & how is it treated?

Accepted Answer

Myeloma: myeloma is a cancer that starts in plasma cells in the bone marrow.   The cause is unknown but its found more in the older patients.    Blood tests usually detect it.  Mild cases usually aren't treated but chemotherapy is often used.   Radiation therapy is used to treat the bone pain that occurs.

Question 7

is multiple myeloma genetic?

Accepted Answer

No: Myeloma does not appear to have a genetic predisposition.

Question 8

what is multiple myeloma? a cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the bone and bone marrow.  It is uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells; cells that make antibodies. Ironically multiple myeloma results in immune deficiency.  It also causes lytic bone lesions and fractures, increased blood calcium, renal failure, anemia and often results in death.

Question 9

can multiple myeloma   affect the liver?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Not common.: Yes. Multiple myeloma can effect any organ. However, liver involvement is not common. Myeloma generally involves the bones predominantly; however there are reports of nearly every organ being involved in including the brain.  Liver involvement by any cancer can make some types of chemotherapy (that is processed by the liver) more difficult to give.

Question 10

does multiple myeloma affect blood gases?

Accepted Answer

Myeloma: Not typically. However, people with multiple myeloma can have associated respiratory illnesses- pneumonia, pulmonary embolus and those conditions can effect blood gasses.

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Doctor answers about:

What is anemia concerning for multible myeloma

A member asked:

45 y/o w unexplained severe anemia, high calcium, body pain, history gluten intolerance, poss diabetes. should she test for myeloma? other possible causes?

A member asked:

I have inconsistent tests that lean toward multiple myeloma or mgus. first xray lytic lesion; globulin series serum & urine monoclonal positive to gamma; 24 hr electopherurine neg; beginning anemia; bun off; other small abnormals. bone survey neg.

A member asked:

How bad is pain in myeloma?

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Wo is at risk for multipule myeloma?

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Treatment for relapsed myeloma?

A member asked:

What is myeloma cancer & how is it treated?

A member asked:

Is multiple myeloma genetic?

A member asked:

What is multiple myeloma? a cancer?

A member asked:

Can multiple myeloma affect the liver?

A member asked:

Does multiple myeloma affect blood gases?

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