Multiple Myeloma, a cancer that initiates in the plasma of the blood, can lead to bone weakness. Plasma cells, a specific type of white blood cells located in the bone marrow, are the starting point of this relatively uncommon cancer. Once these plasma cells turn cancerous and begin multiplying, the cancer progresses and affects various parts of the body, including the immune system, bones, kidneys, and red blood cell count. Diagnosing this type of cancer can be challenging due to the absence of symptoms, often resulting in its detection during advanced stages.
Monitoring
When diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, if you are not currently displaying any symptoms of this type of cancer, your doctor may choose not to initiate immediate treatment. Instead, patient monitoring is often the initial approach taken towards managing Multiple Myeloma. This involves scheduling regular office visits and conducting periodic urine and blood tests to monitor any signs of cancer progression. If any indications of progression are detected, treatment options will then be discussed.
Targeted Medications for Multiple Myeloma Treatment
Targeted medications play a crucial role in the early stages of treating Multiple Myeloma, specifically focusing on abnormal or cancerous cells within the body. These medications are administered via injection into a vein in the arm. The primary objective of targeted treatment is to attack the substances within the cells responsible for protein breakdown, ultimately leading to the death of these cells. The administration of these injections is typically done at a medical professional’s office, and they are associated with minimal side effects.