Multiple myeloma cancer life expectancy , Each form of cancer is characterized by an independent malignant growth of a specific cell type in the body. Multiple myeloma, also known as plasma cell myeloma and Kahler’s disease is a cancer, a type of white blood cells called plasma cells.
They are a type of B cells are lymphocytes that play a role in the body’s immune response, by creating proteins which act as antibodies. Since its inception in bone marrow and transported through the lymphatic system throughout the body, when these cells become cancerous, that can not be located.
The cells proliferated malignant spread to other sites in the bone marrow and cause damage to the bone, through the creation of tumors.
Due to the growth of these malignancies in the marrow, new blood cells and platelets creation is significantly impeded. Therefore, multiple myeloma is incurable, but its progression may be delayed and slow through some cancer treatment methods.
symptoms
The most important factor that affects life expectancy in the case of cancer is early detection. The sooner detected, the more the likelihood of treatment. However, multiple myeloma does not show severe symptoms in its appearance. Some symptoms, which are finally seen are:
- Pain in the bones of the ribs and back
- Pain and broken bones around the spinal area
- Continued weakness, shortness of breath and exhaustion due to anemia, along with excessive thirst
- fever and frequent infections
- Nausea and / or constipation
- Frequent urination
- Indent
- Frequent fevers
Forecast
Multiple myeloma is the second most common form of malignant bone marrow cancers. This is a very rare form of cancer, the incidence rate is only one percent of all cancer incidences. Hitting older adults in particular, exposure to radiation is known to be one of the main causative agents of this type of cancer.
About 1 in every 161 US residents affected by multiple myeloma. His prognosis can only be done after taking all aspects of the disease into consideration. Several factors affect prognosis, a prediction of the future course and speed of spread of this cancer. The prognosis depends on many factors, which are:
- Status: In general, there are three stages of multiple myeloma classified, depending on the extent of growth of cancer detection. This is the main factor in life expectancy depends. Another factor is the location of the cancer.
- Immunoglobulin Abundance: Multiple myeloma is detected by the abundance of a specific immunoglobulin, created in excess by cancer cells and detected in blood and urine
- Degree of renal damage: This type of cancer causes kidney damage and prognosis depend on the condition of this important body.
- The response to initial treatment: Much depends on how the cancer responds to initial treatment attempts
- Age and Health: patient age and medical history also affect prognosis. This factor affects the type and degree of intensive treatment the patient can handle.
Stage Dependent Life Expectancy
Life expectancy for patients with multiple myeloma depends greatly stage of cancer progression. The stage classification is based on the values of serum albumin and serum beta-2 microglobulin in the blood. The level of these proteins is an indicator of the degree of proliferation achieved by cancer cells. The survival rate phase-wise, you specify here is based on statistics and is a median value. The accurate prediction of life expectancy is not possible, since everything depends on many factors I mentioned in the forecast.
Individual life expectancy of affected patients may vary more or less around the average values provided below. Here is an overview of life expectancy according to the stage of development. To bear in mind that this article is only for reference purposes. An experienced doctor would always be a better source of information.
step 1
Patients with levels greater than 3.5 albumin, but the beta-2 globulin levels fall below 3.5 in the first stage of developing multiple myeloma. The average life expectancy of these patients is the highest, which is 62 months after detection.
step 2
Patients with levels of beta-2 globulin, between 3.5 and 5.5, are classified in the second stage of development. The average life expectancy of these patients is 44 months after detection.
step 3
Patients with levels of beta-2 microglobulin over 5.5, are classified in the third stage of development. The average lifespan of these patients is the lowest, that is 29 months after detection.
These numbers are only developed on the basis of statistics and may be large deviations from it, as each case is unique. The full range of life expectancy in patients with multiple myeloma extends from one year to over 10 years in some cases. The average life expectancy is generally three years.
Statistics show that about 35% or one third of affected patients live for five years. Most patients who are within that 35% have undergone chemotherapy combined with stem cells, which seems to be the best line of attack. An accurate diagnosis can only be provided by a physician after a thorough analysis of the test results of a patient and medical history.
Life expectancy depends entirely on how the cancer responds to chemotherapy drugs thalidomide and steroids. Stem cell transplants are another form of treatment.
Autologous bone marrow transplant uses the patient’s own stem cells, whereas allogeneic transplant using stem cells from another source. Both treatments have demonstrated promising results. Early detection increases chances of survival. All one can do is go the right way of treatment and hope for the best.