The oncologist named the features of myeloma disease

On the eve of the International Day of Action against Myeloma on March 28, oncologist at the Sberbank Health medical company, Suna Isakova, told Izvestia about the symptoms of this disease, its diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

"Multiple myeloma or myeloma is a malignant disease of the blood in which uncontrolled division of its cells occurs, namely, varieties of lymphocytes — plasmocytes. They are involved in the work of the immune system, and their transformation into malignant cells leads to excessive production of immunoglobulins that affect bone tissue and kidneys," the doctor noted.

According to her, multiple myeloma accounts for 1% of all cancers, and the average age of patients with this disease is approximately 70 years. At the same time, the disease is slightly more common in men than in women.

The oncologist added that currently there are no significant external risk factors for the development of multiple myeloma. The effect of some chemical carcinogens is assumed. Among them, benzene can be distinguished, which is present, for example, in tobacco smoke, exhaust gases, and dyes. In addition, exposure to physical carcinogens, such as radiation, may affect the development of myeloma. The role of heredity, as well as some chromosomal disorders, is not excluded.

The occurrence of multiple myeloma may be influenced by some concomitant pathologies, among them ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory disease of the spine and joints.

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Myeloma is asymptomatic for a long time, and the first signs may include bone pain, especially in the back or chest, kidney failure, recurring bacterial infections, and pathological fractures that occur with minor trauma.

"At the same time, a general practitioner may suspect a disease after conducting standard tests showing an increase in the amount of total protein in the blood, the presence of protein in the urine, unexplained anemia or impaired kidney function. If necessary, he will refer you to a hematologist or oncologist for further diagnosis," the specialist said.

Various modern methods of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and blood stem cell transplantation are used to treat myeloma.

"Today, the prevention of multiple myeloma consists in following a healthy lifestyle, that is, in maintaining a healthy diet and physical activity, in abstaining from drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking. Contact with physical and chemical carcinogens should also be avoided," the expert concluded.

Earlier, on March 18, Yulia Vakhabova, Candidate of Medical Sciences, clinical oncologist at the European Medical Center (EMC), told Izvestia that a healthy lifestyle, which includes exercising two to three times a week, allows minimizing the risks of colorectal cancer. It is also important to have a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.