No one knows the exact causes of multiple myeloma. Doctors seldom know why
one person develops this disease and another doesn't. However, we do know
that multiple myeloma isn't contagious. You cannot catch it from another
person.
Research has shown that certain risk factors increase the chance that a
person will develop this disease. Studies have found the following risk factors
for multiple myeloma:
Age over 65: Growing older increases the chance of developing multiple
myeloma. Most people with myeloma are diagnosed after age 65. This disease is
rare in people younger than 35.
Race: The risk of multiple myeloma is highest among African Americans and
lowest among Asian Americans. The reason for the difference between racial
groups is not known.
Being a man: Each year in the United States, about 11,200 men and 8,700 women
are diagnosed with multiple myeloma. It is not known why more men are diagnosed
with the disease.
Personal history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS):
MGUS is a benign condition in which abnormal plasma cells make M proteins.
Usually, there are no symptoms, and the abnormal level of M protein is found
with a blood test. Sometimes, people with MGUS develop certain cancers, such as
multiple myeloma. There is no treatment, but people with MGUS get regular lab
tests (every 1 or 2 years) to check for a further increase in the level of M
protein. They also get regular exams to check for the development of symptoms.
Family history of multiple myeloma: Studies have found that a person's risk
of multiple myeloma may be higher if a close relative had the disease.
Many
other suspected risk factors are under study. Researchers have studied whether
being exposed to certain chemicals or germs (especially viruses), having
alterations in certain genes, eating certain foods, or being obese increases the
risk of developing multiple myeloma. Researchers continue to study these and
other possible risk factors.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will develop
myeloma. Most people who have risk factors never develop cancer.
Multiple Myeloma - Symptoms At Onset Of DiseaseQuestion: The symptoms of multiple myeloma can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?
Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week. Constipation usually is caused by the slow movement of stool through the colon. There are many causes of constipation including medications, poor bowel habits, low fiber diets, abuse of laxatives, hormonal disorders, and diseases primarily of other parts of the body that also affect the colon.
Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased.
In the U.S., more than 2,000 people are diagnosed with bone cancer every year. There are many types of bone cancer. The most common forms of bone cancer are osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, fibrosarcoma, and chordoma. Pain is the most common symptom. Treatment usually involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
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Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which irritation of the wrist's median nerve causes tingling and numbness of the thumb, index, and the middle fingers. This condition is known as tarsal tunnel syndrome in the ankles and feet. Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity of the symptoms and the nature of any disease that might be causing the symptoms.
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Amyloidosis is a group of diseases resulting from abnormal deposition of certain proteins (amyloids) in various bodily areas. The amyloid proteins may either be deposited in one particular area of the body (localized amyloidosis) or they may be deposited throughout the body (systemic amyloidosis). There are three types of systemic amyloidosis: primary (AL), secondary (AA), and familial (ATTR). Primary amyloidosis is not associated with any other diseases and is considered a disease entity of its own. Secondary amyloidosis occurs as a result of another illness. Familial Mediterranean Fever is a form of familial (inherited) amyloidosis. Amyloidosis treatment involves treating the underlying illness and correcting organ failure.
Though it's difficult to say why some people develop cancer while others don't, research shows that certain risk factors increase a person's odds of developing cancer. These risk factors include growing older, family history of cancer, diet, alcohol and tobacco use, and exposure to sunlight, ionizing radiation, certain chemicals, and some viruses and bacteria.
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