Getting the facts right
ALTHOUGH multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer, it originates in the bone, thus one of its most apparent initial symptoms is bone pain. It is not very common, which is why there is a dire lack of awareness that leads to many preventable consequences such as paralysis and death.
A highly treatable disease, multiple myeloma can be easily diagnosed through blood tests, PET scans and bone marrow biopsies. As there are quite a few misconceptions surrounding multiple myeloma, Dr Jameela Sathar from the Malaysian Society of Haematology clarifies several popular ones.
● Multiple myeloma only affects the elderly – Although it is most common among people aged 65 and above, it can also affect people below 40.
● I need a donor for stem cell transplant – Stem cell transplants for multiple myeloma are carried out using the patient’s own cells. The patient’s stem cells will be collected and stored following his initial myeloma therapy and later used as a rescue following high-dose chemotherapy. This procedure is known as autologous stem cell transplant.
● Multiple myeloma can be cured with a stem cell transplant – Autologous stem cell transplants can provide a longer life expectancy (in remission), but it cannot cure the disease.
● Kidney failure in multiple myeloma is reversible – If treated early, kidney failure is indeed reversible. However, kidney failure diagnosed in its later stages may be irreversible and patients may end up on dialysis.
● Paralysis in multiple myeloma is reversible – If treated early, paralysis from spinal cord compression is reversible, but late diagnosis may result in the patient being unable to walk and control his bowels, leading to him needing constant care and supervision.
● Bone marrow aspiration is extremely painful – If adequate local anaesthesia is administered, the procedure should not be painful. There may be some discomfort when the bone marrow is aspirated (extracted) through the biopsy needle, but it should feel comparable to a mild toothache that goes away quickly. ● Traditional treatments can cure multiple myeloma – Doctors cannot stop patients from seeking traditional or alternative medicine, especially for a disease that, as of yet, has no cure. However, the fact is that these traditional treatments can sometimes cause more harm than good, such as liver failure.
These are just a few misconceptions surrounding this incurable disease. As a rule, instead of trusting anything you hear or read, it is important that you consult relevant healthcare professionals for questions regarding multiple myeloma.
Although multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer, it originates in the bone, thus one of its most apparent initial symptoms is bone pain. It is not very common, which is why there is a dire lack of awareness that leads to many preventable consequences such as paralysis and death.