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EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
Cancer Support and Advocacy Information Fair
Wednesday, August 13, 2008 - 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
675 N. Saint St. Clair St; Galter 21-150
Cancer Center Conference Room
Free and open to the public. For additional information visit: cancer.northwestern.edu/events |
What is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer formed by malignant plasma cells. Normal plasma cells are an important part of the immune system. The immune system is composed of several types of cells that work together to fight infections and other diseases. Lymphocytes (lymph cells) are the main cell type of the immune system. There are 2 types of lymphocytes: T cells and B cells.Read more...
Common Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma
Common symptoms of multiple myeloma include:
- Bone pain, usually in the back
- Broken bones, usually in the spine
- Feeling weak and very tired
- Feeling very thirsty
- Frequent infections and fevers
- Weight loss
- Nausea or constipation
- Frequent urination
Most often, these symptoms are not due to cancer. Other health problems can cause the same symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should tell the doctor so that problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.Read more...
Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma
Doctors sometimes find multiple myeloma after a routine blood test. More often, doctors suspect multiple myeloma after an x-ray for a broken bone. Usually though, patients go to the doctor because they are having other symptoms.
To find out whether such problems are from multiple myeloma or some other condition, your doctor may ask about your personal and family medical history and do a physical exam. Your doctor may also order some additional exams.
Read more...
Treatment Options
Different types of treatments are available for patients with multiple myeloma and other plasma cell neoplasms. Some treatments are standard (the currently used treatment), and some are being tested in clinical trials. A treatment clinical trial is a research study meant to help improve current treatments or obtain information on new treatments for patients with cancer. When clinical trials show that a new treatment is better than the standard treatment, the new treatment may become the standard treatment. Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial. Some clinical trials are open only to patients who have not started treatment.
Read more...
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