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Health Line
a day ago
- Health
- Health Line
Understanding the Types of Multiple Myeloma
Key takeaways The types of active multiple myeloma are categorized by the overproduced immunoglobulin, with IgG being the most common and IgE the rarest and most aggressive. Smoldering multiple myeloma is a precancerous condition without symptoms that can progress to active myeloma, requiring monitoring but not always immediate treatment. Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells. Plasma cells are found in the bone marrow. They help your body produce immune system proteins, also known as immunoglobulins or antibodies, that target and destroy pathogens. Pathogens are disease-causing organisms. With multiple myeloma, plasma cells multiply too quickly. They overproduce an irregular protein called a monoclonal protein (M protein). Unlike a healthy immune system antibody, this protein cannot fight pathogens. Common symptoms of myeloma include bone pain, fatigue, and nausea, but not everyone experiences them. This article overviews multiple myeloma types and subtypes and their features. Smoldering vs. active multiple myeloma Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is a precancerous condition that can develop into multiple myeloma over time. People with SMM don't have symptoms, so they're not likely to know they have it. Indeed, most cases are detected incidentally. For example, a doctor might notice increased protein levels during a routine blood or urine test and discover SMM upon further testing. If you have SMM, you may not require any treatment. A doctor might suggest regular monitoring to look for signs of your condition progressing to active myeloma. How often does smoldering multiple myeloma become active? Most cases of SMM eventually progress to active multiple myeloma. According to research cited in a 2022 article: SMM carries a 50% risk of progressing to myeloma within 5 years. SMM carries a 65% risk of progressing to myeloma within 10 years. About 25% of people with SMM never develop myeloma symptoms. Still, the risk can vary a lot from person to person. Higher M protein levels and bone marrow plasma cell percentages carry a higher risk of progression to myeloma within a few years. Types of active multiple myeloma In contrast to healthy plasma cells, myeloma cells only produce one type of immunoglobulin, resulting in a surplus of that type. Myeloma is categorized according to the type of immunoglobulin that's overproduced. There are five types: IgG myeloma: This is the most common type. In a 2020 study including 8,468 people with myeloma, about 57% had IgG. IgA myeloma: In the same study, IgA accounted for 20% of myeloma cases. According to 2020 research, IgA may have lower long-term survival rates than IgG. IgM myeloma: While similar to IgG and IgA, this type is much rarer, making up only 1% of myeloma cases. Overproduction of IgM usually develops into other disorders, like Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. IgD myeloma: This rare type accounts for less than 2% of myeloma cases. It's more common in males and more likely to start at a younger age. It's typically more aggressive. IgE myeloma: Only 0.1% of myeloma cases are IgE, making it the rarest type. It's more aggressive than other types and has lower survival rates. Light-chain myeloma Light-chain myeloma is the third most common type of multiple myeloma after IgG and IgA. It makes up about 15% of myeloma cases, according to a 2018 review. The term 'light chain' refers to the structure of immunoglobulins, which have two larger heavy chains and two smaller light chains. In light-chain myeloma, myeloma cells produce incomplete immunoglobins that do not have heavy chains. They only have light chains, also known as Bence-Jones proteins. Nonsecretory myeloma Nonsecretory myeloma is a rare form of myeloma that accounts for around 3–5% of cases. It occurs when cancerous myeloma cells are present in the bone marrow but don't make or release any immunoglobulins. This type of myeloma is sometimes more challenging to detect since it doesn't cause elevated levels of immunoglobulins in urine or blood. Doctors may use bone marrow scans, such as CT scans or PET scans, to make a diagnosis. Related plasma chain disorders Myeloma is a type of plasma chain or plasma cell disorder. That means it affects plasma cells' ability to produce immunoglobulins or antibodies. Related plasma chain disorders include: MGUS Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a relatively common condition in which M proteins are present in your blood without affecting your health. Different countries have reported MGUS rates ranging from 0.05–6.1%. It's more common among certain groups, such as older adults and Black people. MGUS doesn't usually cause symptoms. Only around 1% of people who have it go on to develop active myeloma each year. Doctors typically suggest monitoring MGUS with regular blood tests. Solitary plasmacytoma A plasmacytoma is a plasma cell tumor. Most plasma cell tumors, including myeloma tumors, grow in the bone marrow. Multiple myeloma causes many tumors in bone marrow all over the body. In contrast, solitary plasmacytoma only causes one tumor. Because solitary plasmacytoma is limited to a single area, it's easier to treat. Doctors can usually remove the tumor via radiation, surgery, or both. Extramedullary plasmacytoma Extramedullary plasmacytoma occurs when a single plasma cell tumor grows in soft tissue rather than bone. In a 2022 study, 62% of these tumors were in the head and neck area. As with solitary plasmacytoma, the cancer is localized to a single area, and treatment with radiation or surgery is usually effective. Light-chain amyloidosis Light-chain amyloidosis is when light-chain proteins produced by abnormal plasma cells accumulate throughout the body. These deposits, known as amyloid deposits, can lead to organ damage. This condition can occur independently of myeloma cancer. However, it can also be a complication of multiple myeloma. Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare form of cancer that shares features in common with multiple myeloma. WM cells overproduce IgM, an M protein that's sometimes overproduced in myeloma. Despite this similarity, experts classify WM as a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma because it affects the lymphatic system. Hyperdiploid vs. hypodiploid myeloma Doctors sometimes classify multiple myeloma tumors according to the number of chromosomes found in tumor cells: Hyperdiploid myeloma tumors have 47–74 chromosomes. Hypodiploid myeloma tumors have 44 or fewer chromosomes. The authors of a 2021 case report cite research suggesting that hyperdiploid multiple myeloma is typically less aggressive than the hypodiploid type. Frequently asked questions What is the most common type of multiple myeloma? Accounting for more than 50% of all myelomas, IgG is the most common type of multiple myeloma. The next most common types are IgA and light-chain myeloma. What is the most aggressive type of multiple myeloma? According to a 2020 study, IgA and light-chain myeloma are associated with poorer overall survival than other common types. The median overall survival was 4.7 years after diagnosis for people with IgA myeloma and 4.8 years after diagnosis for people with light-chain myeloma. The Canadian Cancer Society reports that IgE is the most aggressive type of myeloma. However, it is extremely rare. What is the difference between kappa and lambda multiple myeloma? Kappa and lambda are two types of light chains. In multiple myeloma, one or the other may be overproduced. According to a 2017 study, myeloma with lambda light chains carries a poorer overall outlook. Takeaway Multiple myeloma is a cancer that causes uncontrolled plasma cell growth. The hallmark of myeloma is the presence of M proteins in blood or urine. The type of M protein overproduced determines the type of myeloma.
Medical News Today
02-07-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
What jaw symptoms can multiple myeloma cause?
Multiple myeloma (MM) can cause symptoms that affect the jaw bones, such as swelling and pain. MM is a cancer of the plasma cells found in the bone marrow, and bone problems are an important feature in diagnosing MM. According to a 2024 systematic review, about 35% of people with symptomatic MM develop lytic bone lesions that affect the jaw, which can cause pain in some people. A lytic bone lesion refers to an area of bone that has been destroyed, resulting in a hole. These lesions more commonly affect the upper jaw, called the maxilla. The lytic lesions appear because the cancer cells interact with the cells that keep the bones strong. The two kinds of bone cells that maintain the bones are osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Osteoclasts break down bone, and osteoblasts build new bone. MM cells make a substance that increases the number and speed of the osteoclasts, resulting in bone destruction, while the osteoblasts are unable to effectively form new symptoms may be the first sign of MM. Authors of the 2024 review state that 64% of cases presented with oral symptoms as the initial indication of MM, with the most common sign being jaw swelling. In some cases, this swelling was painless. However, in other cases, it caused pain, tingling, or numbness. Other oral symptoms a person with MM may experience include:difficulty opening the mouthswallowing difficultieshealing difficulties after a tooth extractiona soft mass of tissue on the tongue, gum, or inside the cheeksbleeding and swollen gumsloose teethroot reabsorption, which is when the immune system reabsorbs the root structure of the toothcandidiasis, or oral thrushThere are many other causes of jaw pain and swelling, such as dental problems and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. If a person is concerned that they have symptoms of MM, they should contact a doctor, who can help to accurately diagnose and treat the underlying moreWhat is the first sign of multiple myeloma?What conditions have similar symptoms to multiple myeloma?
Health Line
01-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Best Foods to Eat and Avoid with Multiple Myeloma
Key Takeaways Multiple myeloma can lead to damaged kidneys, reduced immunity, and anemia, so trying to maintain a balanced nutrition is important, especially during treatment. Anemia is a common complication of multiple myeloma; a boost in iron levels can help you feel less tired and help your body make healthier red blood cells. Good sources of iron include lean red meat, raisins, and various fruits and vegetables. Avoid raw foods to prevent infections, which you may be at a higher risk of during treatment. Cooking your food to the minimum recommended internal temperatures kills bacteria that may be present and can prevent you from having a foodborne illness. Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells, which are part of your immune system. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 35,000 people in the United States will be newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2024. Multiple myeloma can lead to damaged kidneys, reduced immunity, and anemia. Feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or scared about the condition can also make it hard for you to eat. Maintaining good nutrition is important, especially during treatment. Pump iron Anemia, or a low red blood cell count, is a common complication in people with multiple myeloma. When cancerous plasma cells in your blood multiply, there isn't enough room for your red blood cells. Essentially, the cancer cells crowd out and destroy healthy cells. A low red blood cell count can lead to a variety of effects on your overall health and well-being, including: fatigue weakness feeling cold Low levels of iron in your blood can also cause anemia. If you've developed anemia because of multiple myeloma, your doctor may suggest that you eat more foods containing iron. A boost in iron levels can help you feel less tired and will also help your body make more healthy red blood cells. Good sources of iron include: lean red meat raisins bell peppers kale Brussel sprouts sweet potatoes broccoli tropical fruits, such as mango, papaya, pineapple, and guava Bulk up on fiber Some chemotherapy drugs can cause constipation. Increasing your fiber intake and drinking plenty of water are helpful. Foods that are high in fiber include: whole grains, such as oatmeal and brown rice dried fruits, such as raisins, figs, apricots, prunes apples, pears, and oranges berries nuts, beans, and lentils broccoli, carrots, and artichokes Spice it up One 2020 study showed that the supplement curcumin, a compound found in the spice turmeric, may reduce your risk of becoming resistant to certain chemotherapy drugs. This helps ensure chemotherapy drugs are an effective treatment option. Further research is needed to establish a firm link between curcumin and slowing resistance to chemo drugs. Some older research in mice also suggests that curcumin may slow the growth of multiple myeloma cells. Many people experience nausea and vomiting as a side effect of chemotherapy. Bland foods may be easier on your stomach, but if you can handle meals with a little more spice, you might consider trying a curry made with turmeric. Mustard and some types of cheese also contain turmeric. Foods to avoid to protect your kidneys Multiple myeloma also causes kidney disease in some people. As the cancer crowds out healthy blood cells, it can cause bone to break down. This is important because your bones release calcium into your blood. Cancerous plasma cells can also make a protein that goes into your bloodstream. Your kidneys need to work harder than normal to process the extra protein and extra calcium in your body. All this extra work can damage your kidneys. Depending on how well your kidneys are functioning, you may need to adjust your diet to protect your kidneys. You might need to reduce the amount of salt, alcohol, protein, and potassium you eat. The amount of water and other fluids you drink may have to be restricted if your kidneys are severely damaged, you may need to restrict the amount of water and other fluids you drink. You may also need to eat less calcium if your blood calcium levels are already high due to the cancer breaking down bone, which releases calcium. Talking with your doctor before making any dietary changes due to kidney disease is important. Foods to avoid to prevent infections You have a higher risk of infection while you're receiving multiple myeloma treatment. This is because both cancer and chemotherapy treatment weaken your immune system. You can take steps to help prevent infections during your treatment. For example, washing your hands often and staying away from people who are sick can help keep you from developing the common cold and other viral infections. You can reduce your risk of infection even more by avoiding raw foods. Undercooked meat, sushi, and raw eggs can carry bacteria that can lead to bacterial infections. You can develop bacterial, as well as viral, infections when your immune system is functioning well. That's why being extra cautious when it's compromised is even more important. When your immunity is reduced, even fruits and veggies that haven't been peeled can pose a risk to your health. Cooking your food to the minimum recommended internal temperatures kills any bacteria that may be present and can prevent you from having a foodborne illness. Outlook Having multiple myeloma can be challenging for anyone. But eating a health-promoting diet can help you live better and support your overall well-being with this kind of cancer. Your body needs nutritious fuel to stay strong regardless, but it's especially necessary if you develop complications, such as anemia or kidney disease. When you're creating a supportive eating plan, it's important to limit highly processed snacks and sweets, which typically offer little or no nutritious value. Instead, fill your plate with fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
