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Myeloma

What Is It?

Myeloma is a type of cancer that develops from cells in the bone marrow called plasma cells. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found inside the inner part of our large bones. It is from the bone marrow that our different blood cells are produced. Myeloma can develop wherever there are plasma cells. So it can be anywhere in the bone marrow, including the pelvis, spine and ribcage. As it can be in several places, it is often called multiple myeloma.

Symptoms

Multiple myeloma does not always cause symptoms in its early stages but possible symptoms can include:

Pain in the bones especially in the back or ribs
A fractured bone
Thirst
Feeling or being sick
Passing a lot of urine
Tiredness shortness of breath or weakness
Repeated infections or infection that is difficult to shake off
Unusual bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
Swollen ankles

Treatment

Chemotherapy is nearly always the main treatment for myeloma. Radiotherapy and biological therapy are also used. If you are fit enough, your specialist may suggest intensive treatment using high dose chemotherapy with bone marrow or stem cell transplant. The aim of your treatment is to try to get the myeloma under control. When there is no sign of active disease in your body, the myeloma is said to be in remission.

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