Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma, which is also known as myeloma, is a type of blood cancer that affects white blood cells called plasma cells.

Healthy plasma cells help you fight infections by making antibodies that recognise and attack germs.

Myeloma causes your plasma cells to produce abnormal antibodies which can not fight infection. On top of this, too many abnormal plasma cells are produced in your bone marrow. These crowd out healthy red and white blood cells, which both play an important role in keeping you well.

At London Haematology, we are experts at diagnosing, monitoring and treating multiple myeloma. All our care and support are provided in the first-class environments in The London Clinic, which features state-of-the-art technology and the latest equipment.

An expert multidisciplinary team will also support you from your first consultation, during your procedure and throughout your recovery.

Causes

It is not known what causes multiple myeloma. But factors that may increase your risk of multiple myeloma include:

•    Being aged over 60 – most cases are diagnosed at around 70; cases affecting people under 40 are rare
•    Being male
•    Having black ethnicity – multiple myeloma is about twice as common in black populations than white and Asian populations
•    Having a family history of multiple myeloma or MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance)

Research has identified a close link between multiple myeloma and MGUS.  MGUS a blood condition that happens when abnormal plasma cells develop in your bone marrow.

MGUS does not cause any symptoms and usually does not need treatment. However, each year around 1 in every 100 people with MGUS go on to develop multiple myeloma.

Symptoms

Most people with multiple myeloma do not display symptoms in the early stages. Often, the illness is only suspected or diagnosed after a routine blood or urine test.

As the illness progresses, you may start to experience one or more of the following symptoms:

•    Nausea (feeling sick)
•    Persistent bone pain, usually in the back, ribs or hips
•    Tiredness, weakness and shortness of breath – caused by anaemia
•    Mental fogginess or confusion
•    Extreme thirst
•    Stomach pain
•    Constipation
•    Weight loss
•    Frequent infections
•    Weakness or numbness in your legs
•    Blurred vision, dizziness or headaches
•    Bruising and unusual bleeding
•    Kidney problems

Diagnosis

If you show any signs of multiple myeloma, your GP will examine you for bone tenderness, bleeding, signs of infection and other symptoms. They may also arrange blood and urine tests.

If myeloma is suspected and you are referred to London Haematology, one of our world-class consultant haematologists will carry out further diagnostic tests. These may include:

•    Blood tests to check for abnormal proteins and examine kidney function, blood cell counts, calcium levels and uric acid levels
•    Urine tests to check for abnormal proteins
•    Bone marrow test
•    X-ray
•    PET-CT scan
•    MRI scan
•    CT scan

Treatments

Depending on your symptoms and the stage of your cancer, you may not need treatment for your multiple myeloma. Instead, you may be put on ‘watch and wait’ and carefully monitored by your healthcare team at London Haematology.

If you do require treatment, you may have one or more of the following treatments:

•    Chemotherapy
•    Targeted therapies
•    Steroids
•    Stem cell transplant