Multiple Myeloma
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Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma of white blood cells. If you have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, you have a powerful ally in Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA).
When you come to CTCA, our cancer experts will work with you to find the multiple myeloma treatments that are most appropriate for you. Please keep reading to learn more about CTCA and how we can help in your fight against multiple myeloma.
Information on Multiple Myeloma
Myeloma cells collect in the bone marrow and in the hard, outer part of bones. Sometimes these cells collect in only one bone and form a single mass, or tumor, called a plasmacytoma. In most cases, however, the myeloma cells collect in many bones, forming many tumors. When this happens, the disease is called multiple myeloma.
Although multiple myeloma affects the bones, it does not begin in the bones. Multiple myeloma originates in cells of the immune system. Multiple myeloma is different from bone cancer, which actually begins in cells that form the hard, outer part of the bone. Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma is different from that of bone cancer.
Statistics & Risk Factors
According to the International Myeloma Foundation, there are over 13,500 new cases of myeloma in the U.S. each year. This represents 20 percent of all blood cancers, and one percent of all types of cancer.
The chance of developing multiple myeloma increases with age. Risk factors for multiple myeloma include exposure to atomic radiation, petroleum products, pesticides, solvents, heavy metals, and airborne particles.
Treatment Options
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, treatment for multiple myeloma depends on your age, the stage of multiple myeloma, your overall health, and a variety of other factors.
Your multiple myeloma treatment may include Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), fractionated-dose chemotherapy, and autologous stem cell rescue with post transplant immunotherapy. In addition to these conventional treatments, our cancer experts will provide various complementary medicine therapies to help reduce side effects and improve your quality of life.
Additional Cancer Information and Resources
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