cancer question?

Question

does anyone know the early symtoms of multiple myeloma?

Answer 1

Hi,

The sypmtoms will vary depending on what the MM is "doing".

MM effects the following and depending on the activiting of the mm you can have aor not any of these (or all of them). You can aalso have NO symptoms -0 many people find out when it is too late and the MM has ravaged their bodies

1) MM "fills" the bone marrow with cancer - the more the marrow is filled, the less room is left to "grow" good cells. So you don't have enough red blood cells - this gives you anemia; tired, no energy, poor color) and or low white cells; so you catch every bug that comes along or both. You can get a "bone ache with this one - hurts in area but not at specific spot


2) MM goes after bones - this one causes destruction of bone, really bad - HURTS, and can cause collapse due to lose of bone.

3) MM causes breakup of light chain protiens and increased calcium in blood - clogs kidneys and causes them to fail or hurt.

4) MM cuases blood to thicken - does hurt but can cause stroke or heart attack (rare)

For the BEST source of information (NOT webmd) go to the MM experts at www.myeloma.org and www.multiplemyeloma.org

MM markers are in blood test - very high protien but the Bone Marrow Biobsy is the only way to 100% know.

IF you have MM; there are a LOT of new drugs to help.

Good luck,

Jewells
35 months and still here

Answer 2

No one knows the exact causes of multiple myeloma. Doctors can seldom explain why one person develops this disease and another does not. However, we do know that multiple myeloma is not contagious. You cannot "catch" it from another person.

Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop multiple myeloma. A risk factor is something that may increase the chance of developing a disease.

Studies have found the following risk factors for multiple myeloma:

Age: Growing older increases the chance of developing multiple myeloma. Most people with myeloma are diagnosed after age 65. This disease is rare in people younger than 40.
Race: The risk of multiple myeloma is highest among African Americans and lowest among Asian Americans. The reason for the difference between racial groups is not known.
Personal history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS): MGUS is a condition in which abnormal plasma cells make a low level of M proteins. MGUS is a benign condition, but it increases the risk of certain cancers, including multiple myeloma.
Scientists are studying other possible risk factors for multiple myeloma. Radiation, pesticides, hair dye, certain viruses, obesity, and diet are under study. But it is not clear that these factors are involved in the development of the disease. Researchers also are studying families in which more than one person has multiple myeloma. However, such families are extremely rare.

Most people who have known risk factors (being older, being African American, or having MGUS) do not get multiple myeloma. On the other hand, most people who do get the disease have no known risk factors. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss this concern with your doctor

Answer 3

From the National Cancer Institute, the 7 warning signs of cancer are--

C- Change in bowel or bladder habits

A- A sore that does not heal

U- Unusual bleeding or discharge

T- Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere

I- Indigestion or Dysphagia (difficult or painful swallowing)

O- Obvious change in wart or mole

N- Nagging cough or hoarseness

Answer 4

go to www.webmd.com



this is the most accurate and update website on all types of illnesses.