Myeloma: Understanding the Disease, Symptoms and Treatment Options

When talking about Myeloma, a cancer that starts in plasma cells and accumulates in the bone marrow. Also known as multiple myeloma, it disrupts normal blood cell production and can cause painful bone damage. The disease also involves Plasma cells, the antibody‑producing cells that become malignant, and leads to Bone lesions that weaken the skeleton. Modern care often includes Stem cell transplant and targeted drugs such as Proteasome inhibitors, which help control the cancer’s growth. Together, these entities shape how myeloma is diagnosed, treated and managed.

Key concepts at a glance

People first notice myeloma when they experience bone pain, especially in the back or ribs, because the malignant plasma cells release substances that dissolve bone. Fatigue, frequent infections, anemia, and high calcium levels are common signals that the marrow is struggling to make healthy blood cells. Doctors confirm the disease with blood tests that show abnormal protein (M‑protein), urine tests for light chains, and imaging like skeletal X‑rays or MRI that reveal the characteristic lesions. A bone marrow biopsy seals the diagnosis by showing a high percentage of cancerous plasma cells. Early detection matters – the sooner treatment starts, the better the chances of keeping the disease under control.

Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s age, overall health and disease stage. Chemotherapy remains a backbone, often combined with steroids to reduce inflammation. Proteasome inhibitors such as bortezomib target the protein‑degrading system of plasma cells, slowing their growth. Immunomodulatory drugs like lenalidomide boost the immune response against the cancer. For eligible patients, high‑dose chemotherapy followed by an autologous stem cell transplant can extend remission periods. Maintenance therapy, regular monitoring of M‑protein levels, and lifestyle adjustments—adequate hydration, balanced nutrition, and safe exercise—help manage side effects and improve quality of life. The collection below dives deeper into specific drugs, side‑effect profiles, and practical tips that complement this overview, giving you a comprehensive toolkit to navigate myeloma care.