Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that begins in plasma cells and affects multiple bones. This eMedTV article describes multiple myeloma in detail and includes information about its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
As this eMedTV Web page explains, the cause of multiple myeloma is not yet known. However, there are risk factors for the disease that do increase a person's chances of developing this condition. This article takes a closer look at these risk factors.
Bone pain, bones that break easily, and frequent infections are common multiple myeloma symptoms. This eMedTV resource describes the signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma, which can range from loss of appetite to organ failure.
As discussed in this eMedTV article, making a multiple myeloma diagnosis usually begins with a physical exam and a review of the patient's medical history. Also, doctors may order certain tests (such as blood tests) to diagnose multiple myeloma.
Determining the multiple myeloma stage, or extent, of the disease is important in order to plan treatment. This eMedTV Web page describes the three stages of multiple myeloma and provides information about the tests used in the staging process.
In cases of multiple myeloma, treatment options can include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This eMedTV segment discusses treatment of multiple myeloma, including information about second opinions, side effects, and follow-up care.
A multiple myeloma prognosis is a medical opinion as to the outcome of the disease. This eMedTV resource discusses factors (such as the stage of the cancer) that affect the prognosis for a person with multiple myeloma and provides survival rates.
When it comes to multiple myeloma, prevention of the cancer may not be possible. This eMedTV article looks at the current challenges involved in preventing multiple myeloma and discusses efforts to better understand risk factors for the disease.
A routine, effective multiple myeloma screening test has not yet been developed. This eMedTV article explains the concept of screening for multiple myeloma, which would involve testing people for the cancer when they have no symptoms of the disease.
Based on multiple myeloma statistics, about 16,570 Americans will be diagnosed with the cancer in 2006. This eMedTV Web page provides various statistics concerning multiple myeloma, including survival rates and age-at-diagnosis figures.
As this eMedTV Web page explains, multiple myeloma research is being done to assess the effectiveness of using certain drugs and combinations of drugs to better treat the disease. This article looks at multiple myeloma research now under way.
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