Multiple myelomas are a type of blood cancer such as leukemia and lymphoma. In multiple myeloma, plasma cells are get affected and get multiplied in an uncontrolled manner. In general, plasma cell’s responsibility is to form antibodies to fight infections. During multiple myeloma, plasma cells release an uncontrolled amount of protein called immunoglobulin to blood and bones that causes damage to the organs.

During multiple myeloma, plasma cells also release certain chemicals which leads to bone dissolve. In severe stages, multiple myeloma, plasma cells spill out of bone marrow and spread across the body and leads to multiple organ damage.

Diagnosis of multiple myeloma
To confirm a condition of multiple myeloma, doctors may recommend the below diagnosis procedures.

• Blood tests
  Analysis of the blood samples collected from patients can help doctors to understand the amount of M protein produced by the myeloma cells. Further, laboratory tests also help in finding out the production of abnormal proteins such as beta-2-microglobulin. This offers an understating on the aggressiveness of multiple myeloma. In addition, blood tests also help to know the state kidney functioning, counts of blood cells, uric acid and calcium levels etc.
• Urine tests
  Doctors also recommend a urine test to understand the availability of M Protein in urine
• Examination of bone marrow
  Doctors also collect a sample of a patient’s bone marrow through bone marrow biopsy and aspiration. The collected sample is examined with the help of tests such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). This test helps in analyzing the abnormalities of myeloma cells. This also tests the rate multiplication of myeloma cells
• Imaging tests
  Doctors further recommend patients to undergo various image-based tests such as CT scan, MRI, X-Ray and PET or positron emission tomography

Treatment of multiple myeloma
Based on the symptoms and complications of multiple myeloma doctors may prescribe the treatment procedures listed below.

• Targeted therapy
  Doctors adopt targeted medication-based therapies to treat specific symptoms of multiple myeloma. Targeted medications such as ixazomib, carfilzomib and Bortezomib (Velcade). Targeted therapy helps is halting the abnormal therapies of myeloma cells. Further, targeted therapy-based treatments also include monoclonal antibody medications.
• Biological therapy
  Biological therapy-based medications such as pomalidomide, lenalidomide, and thalidomide prove to be helpful in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Biological therapy-based medications boost the immunization system of the body; thus, the enhanced immune system identifies the cancer cells and destroys them
• Chemotherapy
  Doctors also recommend chemotherapy to destroy the cancerous myeloma cells.
• Corticosteroids
  Primarily corticosteroids such as dexamethasone and prednisone regulate the immune system; thus, controls inflammation of the body.
• Bone marrow transplant
  In chronic stages, doctors recommend and bone marrow transplant, where the affected stem cells are replaced with the healthy ones
• Radiation therapy
  In certain cases, doctors also prescribe radiation therapy to treat the symptoms of multiple myeloma.

The news of having multiple myeloma can be devastating. Along with the needed treatment, it is suggested to work on a well thought out plan to cope with the uncertainty and stress comes with it.