Multiple myeloma is a cancer in which abnormal cells collect in the bone marrow and form tumors. Sometimes these abnormal cells (called myeloma cells) collect in only one bone and form a single tumor known as a plasmacytoma. However, in most cases, the myeloma cells collect in many bones, forming several tumors and causing other problems. When this happens, the disease is called multiple myeloma.

The International Myeloma Foundation reports that each year there are approximately 19,900 new cases of myeloma in the United States. The disease tends to develop in people who are in their 60s or older. Less than 10 percent of multiple myeloma patients are under the age of 40. Multiple myeloma more commonly develops in men and in some races more than others (e.g., African Americans).

For more information on multiple myeloma and treatments available to fight this disease, call Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) today at 800-615-3055. Or, click to chat with a knowledgeable Oncology Information Specialist.

Symptoms of multiple myeloma may include the following:

• Bone pain (particularly in the back, ribs, hips, skull)
• Bones that break with ease
• Bruising or bleeding with ease
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever or frequent infections
• Anemia/fatigue
• Weakness/numbness of arms and legs
• Dizziness/mental confusion

If you are experiencing these symptoms, please seek medical attention from a doctor.

Unfortunately, multiple myeloma is not easy to detect at an early stage. Oftentimes, the disease is diagnosed at an advanced stage.

A number of tests may be performed to help determine if you have multiple myeloma. Key laboratory and diagnostic imaging tests include:

• Lab tests of your blood and urine
• A bone marrow biopsy and aspiration
• X-rays of your bones
• CT (computed tomography)
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT)

In addition, your doctor should perform a thorough physical exam and detail your medical history.

If you have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma and are looking for a second opinion from a care team of experienced doctors and other clinicians as committed to your fight as you are—call Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) today at 800-615-3055. Oncology Information Specialists are available around the clock to answer your questions about what CTCA offers.

Several treatments are used to fight multiple myeloma. In some cases, a combination of therapies may be recommended.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), you’ll meet one-on-one with physicians and practitioners to discuss and choose the treatment options that will work best for you.

Your options for conventional treatment may include the following:

• Chemotherapy
• Additional cancer drug therapy (e.g., Thalomid^®, Velcade^®, Lenalidomide, Revlimid^®)
• Radiation therapy (e.g., external beam radiation, TomoTherapy^®)
• Surgery
• Immunotherapy/biotherapy (e.g., interferons, monoclonal antibodies)
• Autologous or allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplant

Along with these traditional medical treatments for multiple myeloma, at CTCA we offer supportive therapies, including nutrition, naturopathic medicine, pain management, oncology rehabilitation, mind-body medicine, and spiritual support. Our comprehensive, integrative approach to fighting multiple myeloma ultimately helps you maintain your strength and improve your overall quality of life.

Discover your cancer treatment options today. Call 800-615-3055 or click to chat. Our knowledgeable Oncology Information Specialists offer insight into advanced cancer treatments that may be right for you.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your care team will include responsive, caring and experienced physicians who specialize in fighting cancer with conventional medical treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy/biotherapy. Our highly skilled physicians work side by side with experienced complementary/alternative medicine practitioners, who offer supportive therapies aimed at keeping your body, mind and spirit strong during cancer.

Put our team of cancer experts to work for you today. Call 800-615-3055. Or, chat now with one of our Oncology Information Specialists.

It begins with you. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), you’re at the center of your care team. Our support then surrounds you.

We take time to listen to you, answer your questions and, if you feel able or well enough, encourage you to participate in making decisions about your treatment. It’s all part of our philosophy of care known as Patient Empowerment Medicine^SM. It’s the way we always care for our patients—by putting them first, and empowering and educating them about cancer.

We will work with you to find the specific, multiple myeloma treatment options suited to your needs.

• Our physicians will thoroughly evaluate your condition and consider several significant factors, including the extent of the disease, prior treatment received and your general state of health.
• You and your care team of physicians and practitioners will create a comprehensive cancer treatment plan that is just for you.

To learn more about our comprehensive, personalized cancer care, call our Oncology Information Specialists at 800-615-3055. Or, click to chat now.

If you’re ready to take your fight against multiple myeloma to the next level, call Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) today. We’re ready to fight for you.

Call us at 800-515-1214. Our Oncology Information Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you. You can also send them an email or chat online. At CTCA, we are here to help you take the next steps towards healing.