Causes and Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

The specific cause of Multiple myeloma is not yet known. It occurs when the genetic material is damaged during the development of B-cell from stem cells. The bone marrow present in bones is rich in stem cells, which are responsible for the production of white blood cells (produce antibodies), red blood cells (oxygen carriers) and plasma cells (responsible for clotting).

[Read: What is Multiple Myeloma?]

B-cells are a particular type of white blood cells that divide and increase to fight when a foreign body like bacteria is detected in the body.  During multiple myeloma the b-cells multiply at an uncontrollable rate and thus get stored in the bone marrow, causing lesions and hypercalcemia (high calcium levels).

[Read: How to Diagnose Multiple Myeloma?]

Some of the associations identified with multiple myeloma are:

• immune system: when the immune system in older individuals is unable to detect the presence of cancer cells easily, multiple myeloma can occur
• hereditary factors: A family history of multiple myeloma is often associated with higher chances for it to reoccur. Also some ethnic groups are more susceptible to multiple myeloma than others.
• occupational factors: A large number of multiple myeloma cases have been recorded among individuals working with wood, leather, plastics, heavy metals and petroleum industries
• long term exposure to harmful material: people working in a radiation or x-ray lab are also more likely to get multiple myeloma
• Radiation exposure: Long exposure to radiations can damage healthy cells thus reducing the immunity which can then lead to multiple myeloma. 

[Read: What is the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma?]

Some early signs of multiple myeloma are when an individual starts getting easily fatigued, or when the bones fracture often or become brittle or when the back and ribs hurt continuously. Due to the collection of a large number of plasma cells in the marrow, the bones sometimes collapse. The calcium from these damaged bones enters the blood stream causing an illness called Hypercalcemia, which makes an individual feel extremely thirsty, easily tired; may lead to constipation and even kidney failure. Hyperviscosity (large portions of M-protein in the blood fluid) and Cryoglobulinemia (proteins in the blood forms particles under cold conditions causing blockages in blood vessels) are two of the many illnesses that a multiple myeloma patient is highly susceptible to.



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