The Bone Identity

Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer of the bone marrow that arises when plasma cells,which are white blood cells that secrete large volumes of antibodies,become malignant,invade the marrow,multiply uncontrollably and disrupt normal bone function. These abnormal cells can also cause a number of other serious problems throughout the body. Patients with this condition develop malignant tumors in more than one spot,thus the name “multiple”.

Ramanan explains the condition causes bone weakness that is painful. Any bone can be affected,but pain in the bones in the back,the hips and skull is particularly common in this disease. It can also cause osteoporosis,increasing the chances of bone fractures.

He says that signs and symptoms can vary depending on its stage and certain aspects of the patient’s general health. Sudden severe back pain,bone erosion,osteoporosis are common symptoms. “Some patients may have other symptoms such as kidney failure,infection,and anemia. However,in certain cases there are no symptoms in the initial stages. Often the first time the patient knows about it is after a routine blood or urine test,” says Ramanan.