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Multiple Myeloma Research Paper

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Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that results from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell produced in the soft tissue inside bones (bone marrow). These are cells in your blood that normally help you fight infection. They are part of your body’s defense system (immune system). Plasma cells that become cancerous will grow out of control. As a result, they interfere with normal blood cells and many important functions that normal cells perform in the body. With multiple myeloma, the abnormal plasma cells cause multiple tumors to form.
Multiple myeloma damages the bones and causes other health problems because of the effect on blood cells. The disease progresses and reduces …show more content…

• Broken bones (fractures).
• Low blood counts, including reduced red blood cells (anemia), reduced white blood cells (leukopenia), and reduced platelets.
• Fatigue.
• Weakness.
• Infections.
• Bleeding, such as bleeding from the nose or gums or increased bleeding from a scrape or cut.
• High blood calcium levels.
• Increased urination.
• Confusion.

DIAGNOSIS
Your health care provider will do a physical exam and take your medical history. Tests will be done to help confirm the diagnosis. Tests may include:
• Blood tests.
• Urine tests.
• X-rays.
Bone marrow biopsy. In this test, a sample of marrow is removed from a bone. The sample is looked at under a microscope to check for abnormal plasma cells.

TREATMENT
There is no cure for multiple myeloma. Treatment options may vary depending on how much the disease has advanced. Possible treatment options may include:
• Medicines that kill cancer cells (chemotherapy).
• Medicines that help prevent bone damage (bisphosphonates).
• Radiation therapy. High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells.
• Surgery. This may be done to repair damage to bone.
• Biologic therapy. This involves the use of medicines to strengthen your immune

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