Multiple Myeloma
Cancer.
Multiple Myeloma and Vertebral Compression Fractures (VCFs).
The type of cancer that has the most direct effect on bone health is multiple myeloma.[1] Multiple myeloma causes a group of abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) to multiply, raising the percentage of plasma cells to more than 10% of the cells in the bone marrow. These cells build up in the bone marrow, infiltrate adjacent bone tissue, and may spread throughout the skeleton, making bones fragile and prone to fracture.[2][3] Myeloma affects the places where marrow is normally active in adults: the bones of the spine, skull, pelvis, rib cage, and the areas around the shoulders and hips.[4] In fact, spinal fractures (also known as vertebral compression fractures) are present in 55 to 70% of patients with multiple myeloma.[5] The exact cause of multiple myeloma isn't known.[4]
Symptoms
Symptoms of multiple myeloma vary from person to person. Early in the disease, there may be no symptoms. But as multiple myeloma progresses, most people experience one or more of the following symptoms:[6]
- Bone pain, particularly in the back, pelvis, ribs, and skull
- Presence of abnormal proteins in the blood or urine
- High level of calcium in the blood, which may result in excessive thirst and urination, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, or mental confusion
Other signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma may include:
- Anemia-related fatigue as myeloma cells replace oxygen-carrying red blood cells in the bone marrow
- Unexplained bone fractures, such as vertebral compression fractures
- Repeated infections — such as pneumonia, sinusitis, bladder or kidney infections, skin - infections, and shingles
- Weight loss
- Weakness or numbness in legs
Because early diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma are important, patients should see their doctor or find a specialist if they experience any of these symptoms.
Risk Factors
The cause of multiple myeloma is unknown.[7] However, some factors that may increase patient risk of multiple myeloma include:[8]
- Age: The majority of people who develop multiple myeloma are diagnosed in their mid-60s.
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop the disease than women.
- Race: African-Americans are about twice as likely to develop multiple myeloma as are Caucasians.
- History of a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS): Every year 1 percent of the people with MGUS in the United States develop multiple myeloma.
- Weight: Risk of multiple myeloma is increased if patient is overweight or obese.
- Other factors that may increase patient risk of developing multiple myeloma include exposure to radiation and working in petroleum-related industries.
