Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the blood. It establishes in plasma cells, which are leukocyte that help battle infection. In multiple myeloma, cancer cells develop in bone marrow and take over the healthy blood cells. And they produce irregular proteins that can harm your kidneys.
Multiple myeloma impacts more than one area of your body. Symptoms include bone pain and quickly broken bones. You might also have frequent infections and fevers, extreme thirst, or increased urination. Nausea, weight reduction, and constipation may take place.
You may not require treatment up until symptoms establish, and most people respond well to treatments that include:
- chemotherapy
- radiation
- blood treatment called plasmapheresis.
In some cases, a bone marrow or stem cell transplant is an option.
Bone marrow cancer is ruled out “curable,” however symptoms wax and wane. There can be a long period of inactivity that could last a number of years. However, this cancer generally recurs.
Your age likewise impacts your outlook. More youthful people tend to do much better than older people. Other health conditions and your choice of treatment should likewise be taken into account.
For some people, bone marrow cancer can be asymptomatic and sluggish to advance. Poor kidney function and faster growing cancer cells usually indicate a poorer outlook. But if you react well to initial treatment and experience a complete remission, your outlook is normally much better.
After treatment, you’ll need regular follow-up testing and disease management care. You’ll be encouraged to drink great deals of fluids to assist your kidneys function correctly. Because of your weakened body immune system, you’ll also have to take additional safety measures to avoid infections. Looking after yourself can assist you feel much better and might lengthen your life.
Bone Marrow Cancer Survival Rates According to Stage
Survival rates are based on comparing people with bone marrow cancer to their peers who don’t have cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), these are the typical survival rates by stage:
- Stage 1: 62 months
- Stage 2: 44 months
- Stage 3: 29 months
It’s crucial to keep in mind that survival rates are calculated from the time treatment begins, and the average is the typical survival rate. This means that half of the people with bone marrow cancer lived longer than the average length for each stage.
These figures include people treated over the past five to 25 years. The ACS notes that treatment has improved a good deal during that time period, which means that ideally survival rates will continue to enhance.
SEER statistics show that the five-year relative survival rate enhanced drastically from 1975 to 2012:
| Year | 5-year survival rate |
|---|---|
| 1975 | 26.3% |
| 1980 | 25.8% |
| 1985 | 27.0% |
| 1990 | 29.6% |
| 1994 | 30.7% |
| 1998 | 33.9% |
| 2002 | 39.5% |
| 2006 | 45.1% |
| 2012 | 48.5% |
