Multiple Myeloma Specialists in Telangana
Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow responsible for producing antibodies. In this disease, maligna…
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What is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow responsible for producing antibodies. In this disease, malignant plasma cells multiply uncontrollably, crowding out healthy blood cells and producing abnormal proteins that can damage the kidneys and other organs. The excessive plasma cell growth also weakens bone structure, leading to bone pain and fractures. It predominantly affects older adults and progresses through stages from an asymptomatic precursor condition to active disease requiring treatment.
Severe
Rare — accounts for about 1-2% of all cancers, more common in older adults
No
Causes of Multiple Myeloma
Arises from genetic mutations in plasma cells that cause uncontrolled clonal proliferation, though the exact trigger remains unclear. Risk factors include older age, male sex, obesity, family history, and a preceding condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), which can progress to myeloma over time.
Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma
Bone pain especially in the back and ribs, fatigue and weakness from anaemia, frequent infections, kidney problems, unexplained weight loss, excessive thirst and confusion from high calcium levels, easy bruising, numbness or weakness from nerve compression
Treatment & Types of Multiple Myeloma in Telangana
Treatment typically combines targeted therapies, immunomodulatory drugs, and corticosteroids to control the disease, often followed by autologous stem cell transplantation in eligible patients to achieve deeper remission. Bisphosphonates help protect bone health, and newer immunotherapies including monoclonal antibodies and CAR T-cell therapy have significantly improved outcomes in recent years.
Multiple myeloma progresses through a recognized disease spectrum: monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, an asymptomatic precursor with abnormal protein but no organ damage, smouldering myeloma, an intermediate asymptomatic stage with higher abnormal cell burden, and active or symptomatic multiple myeloma, where organ damage such as bone disease, kidney impairment, anaemia, or high calcium levels has developed and treatment is needed.
Hematology Specialists in Telangana (0)
No specialists listed yet in Telangana — browse all doctors instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MGUS always progress to multiple myeloma?
No, most people with MGUS never progress to active myeloma, though it carries a small ongoing risk each year, which is why regular monitoring is recommended for anyone diagnosed with it.
Can multiple myeloma be cured?
While generally not considered curable, treatment combining targeted therapies, immunomodulatory drugs, and often stem cell transplantation can achieve deep, long-lasting remission for many patients, and newer immunotherapies continue to improve outcomes.
Why does multiple myeloma cause bone pain and fractures?
The malignant plasma cells disrupt the normal balance of bone remodeling, weakening bone structure throughout the skeleton, which is why bone pain, especially in the back and ribs, and fractures are common presenting symptoms.
How does multiple myeloma affect the kidneys?
Abnormal proteins produced by the malignant plasma cells can directly damage the kidney's filtering structures, so kidney function is closely monitored throughout diagnosis and treatment.
What role does stem cell transplant play in treatment?
Autologous stem cell transplantation, using the patient's own previously collected stem cells, is often used after initial therapy in eligible patients to achieve a deeper, more durable remission.