Multiple myeloma is a malignancy that develops in a type of white blood cell known as a plasma cell. To fight infections, healthy plasma cells produce proteins known as antibodies. Antibodies identify and attack pathogens.
Multiple myeloma patients have an accumulation of cancerous plasma cells in their bone marrow. The soft substance found inside bones, called bone marrow, is where blood cells are created. The cancer cells push out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow. Instead of producing beneficial antibodies, cancer cells produce malfunctioning proteins. Multiple myeloma complications result from this.
Although blood tests reveal abnormalities that may develop into multiple myeloma, some individuals have multiple myeloma without any symptoms. In this situation, medical professionals might advise against initiating therapy and instead advise cautious waiting or ongoing health monitoring. Although multiple myeloma cannot be cured, medical professionals can treat associated disorders and symptoms to reduce the disease’s progression.
What is Myeloma?
A malignancy of the plasma cells is called myeloma, often known as multiple myeloma. White blood cells called plasma cells produce antibodies that shield the body from infection. Healthy bone marrow cells that create platelets, red blood cells, and other white blood cells are pushed out by the myeloma-causing cells’ uncontrollable overgrowth.
The pathogenesis of multiple myeloma involves the transformation of normal cells into malignant ones that proliferate and generate atypical antibodies known as M proteins. This alteration triggers a series of diseases and disorders that can impact your kidneys, bones, and the production of healthy red, white, and platelets by your body.
Different forms of myeloma exist. The subtype is named after the aberrant immunoglobulin (paraprotein) produced by myeloma cells. The most prevalent kind is IgG. IgA and light chain alone are the next most prevalent types. Rare are IgM, IgD, and IgE. Other diseases similar to myeloma that also impact plasma cells exist. Among them are:
- Plasmacytoma
- Amyloidosis
- Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).
Causes of Myeloma
While the precise etiology of multiple myeloma has not yet been determined, researchers have made progress in understanding the disease’s development in recent years. Since multiple myeloma is heterogeneous, meaning it can take many different forms, every instance is different, just like all cancers.
Certain genetic mutations, which vary from person to person, are the cause of multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is not believed to be an inherited condition, even though several mutations are risk factors for the disease. That is to say, unlike some physical characteristics or diseases like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease, the mutations that cause multiple myeloma are not inherited by families. Instead, as people age, the mutations that cause myeloma most likely arise on their own.
Symptoms of Myeloma
While there are many symptoms associated with myeloma, bone pain is frequently the first one to be noticed. Additional signs and symptoms consist of:
- You may experience numbness or weakness in your arms and legs. Your spine’s bones may collapse and put pressure on your spinal cord if you have multiple myeloma.
- Being weak and fatigued, to the point where you are unable to perform daily tasks. These indicate anemia.
- Vomiting as well as nausea. This could indicate hypercalcemia.
- Being less hungry and/or experiencing increased thirst. These could indicate hypercalcemia.
- Feeling “hazy” or bewildered.
- Unaccounted-for weight loss.
- Fever without a cause. This could be a sign of an infection caused by bacteria.
- Bleeding or bruises more readily. This could be an indication that your body isn’t making enough platelets because of aberrant plasma cells. Platelets facilitate blood clotting.
Myeloma Treatment Cost in India
Myeloma treatment cost in India starts from INR 2,50,000 ($3000). which, in contrast to many Western nations, is comparatively lower. This makes it an affordable choice for people in need of high-quality medical attention. There are many benefits to choosing myeloma treatment in India. India is home to top-notch hospitals and highly qualified oncologists who follow worldwide treatment guidelines. India is an appealing location for myeloma therapies due to its sophisticated medical infrastructure, affordability, and experience.
Factors That Can Affect Myeloma Treatment Cost in India
- Treatment package costs may vary based on the hospital’s requirements.
- knowledge and expertise of the doctor in the field.
- The condition of the patient and whether other modalities are needed for a thorough course of care.
- Post-operative care if required.
- Classification of hospital rooms.
- Length of stay in the nation and hospitalization.
Best Myeloma Treatment Hospitals In India
1). Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
Diagnosis Done For Myeloma
In addition to performing a physical examination and asking about your symptoms and family medical history, healthcare professionals use several methods to diagnose multiple myeloma. To verify a diagnosis, they could perform several tests. They will then classify the disease in light of the information they have gathered, enabling them to ascertain the cancer’s stage as well as the size and location of the malignant tumor or tumors. Here are details about different tests:
- Complete Blood Count: The complete blood count (CBC) is a test that counts the red and white blood cells in your blood as well as the amount of hemoglobin they contain and the concentration of red blood cells.
- Blood Chemistry Test: This test measures your albumin (a protein), calcium, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine (a measure of how well your kidneys function). One tumor marker is LDH. A chemical found in malignant cells or healthy cells reacting to cancer is known as a tumor marker.
- Urine Tests: To test for Bence Jones protein, another indication of multiple myeloma, medical professionals may ask you to collect urine at home over a day.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test produces finely detailed images of your spine and bones by using radio waves and powerful magnets. This test can be used by medical professionals to check for plasmacytomas. These are individual aberrant plasma cell clusters.
- PET Scan: This is an additional test to check for plasmacytomas.
- Biopsies of the Bone Marrow: Medical professionals may perform biopsies of your bone marrow to determine the proportion of normal and aberrant plasma cells. Your bone marrow sample may also be tested for DNA alterations that could promote the development of cancer.
- Electrophoresis: This examination searches your blood for M proteins.
- Quantitative immunoglobulin test: This blood test gauges your blood’s concentration of certain antibodies.
Myeloma Treatment In India
Following are the different types of treatment used to treat myeloma:
- CAR-T Cell Therapy: Receptor chimeric antigen T cell treatment, which is also known as CAR-T cell therapy, instructs the cells in your immune system to combat multiple myeloma. Your blood is first treated by having some white blood cells, including T cells, removed. A lab receives the cells. The cells are modified in the lab to produce unique receptors. The myeloma cell surface has a flag that the cells can recognize thanks to the receptors. The cells are then reintroduced into your body. They can now locate and eliminate the myeloma cells.
- Bone Marrow Transplant: A unique treatment option for patients with specific malignancies or other illnesses is a bone marrow transplant (BMT). During a bone marrow transplant, stem cells which are often found in the bone marrow are removed, filtered, and then either returned to the patient or the donor.
- Targeted therapy: Medication designed specifically to target specific defects in cancer cells that allow them to proliferate.
- Chemotherapy: Drugs used in chemotherapy destroy cells that have metastasized, including myeloma cells.
- Radiation therapy: Huge energy beams are used to kill myeloma cells during radiation therapy.
Multiple myeloma is a rare type of blood cancer that affects the plasma cells you’re healthcare professionals can treat associated illnesses and symptoms and reduce the progression of myeloma, even if they cannot cure the disease. With myeloma, some patients survive for years. Some have myeloma in remission. In any case, dealing with cancer that either doesn’t go away or might return is difficult. Having cancer implies that you will constantly need to undergo testing and treatment. Your medical professional is aware of the difficulties associated with having myeloma. Request their assistance as you adjust to living with myeloma. They will be happy to suggest beneficial services and initiatives.
How Can BMT Clinic Help You To Find A Treatment?
The esteemed BMT organization is committed to assisting those in need of support in locating medical care. We can help if you are concerned about your health but are unsure about where to get treatment. We can give you a list of the top physicians because we have connections to the most reputable hospitals across the globe. Give us a call and we will be there to assist you at every stage if you need assistance setting up an appointment, obtaining a medical visa, or planning a trip.
