Health Tips

So far, we have covered both leukaemia and lymphoma. So what else do we talk about blood cancer?

That’s right, it is myeloma!

What is Myeloma?

Photo source: Kyowa Kirin

The activated B cells (plasma cells) are a part of the immune system that produce antibodies to fight against diseases. When the plasma cells turn cancerous, this condition is known as myeloma.^1,2  This type of blood cancer is often called multiple myeloma (MM) due to its malignant tendency and spreads to different parts of the body. Myeloma has the lowest five-year survival rate among the three types of blood cancer, which is 55.6% (data obtained from the year 2011 - 2017). ⁵ 

Just like lymphoma, myeloma is also categorised into two main types -- myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN).

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) ^3,4,5,6

In MDS, the immature blood cells are produced in an abnormally large amount by the bone marrow but interestingly, also undergoes increased programmed cell death (apoptosis). This is why individuals with MDS usually have anaemia (low red blood cell counts), neutropenia (low white blood cell counts) and thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts). ³

Some of the risk factors for MDS are old age (70 - 80 years old), being a man, history of chemotherapy, smoking, family history of MDS and genetic diseases. ⁴ Although not always, individuals with MDS have a higher risk to progress into acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML). That is why some may describe MDS as preleukaemia or smouldering leukaemia.  

In 2016, WHO has updated the classification system for the MDS based on five factors: (1) number of dysplasia; (2) numbers of low blood count cell types (cytopenia); (3) portion of ring sideroblast; (4) portion of blast and; (5) chromosomal changes in the bone marrow.

By taking into account the factors above, the six main subtypes of MDS are:⁵

• MDS with multilineage dysplasia (MDS-MLD) - most common

• MDS with single lineage dysplasia (MDS-SLD)

• MDS with ring sideroblasts (MDS-RS)

• MDS with excess blasts (MDS-EB)

• MDS with isolated del (5q)

• MDS unclassifiable (MDS-U)

Individuals who have MDS may present some of the following symptoms:⁶

• Shortness of breath, pale skin, dizziness, weakness (anaemic symptoms)

• Severe infection (symptoms of neutropenia)

• Easy bruising and bleeding, frequent or severe nosebleed (symptoms of thrombocytopenia)

• Bone pain

• Loss of appetite

• Weight loss

• Fever

Myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) ^1,2,8

MPN, also referred to as myeloproliferative disease (MPD), arise from the overproduction of one or more blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets) in the bone marrow. MPN can be further categorised into classic MPN or atypical MPN.

Awareness is important

The chances of recovery for blood cancer patients are improving over the past decades, thanks to the advancement of science and research. Being aware of the early signs and symptoms will make us be more alert to the changes happening in our bodies and take action before it’s too late. Hence, during this awareness month, let us all understand better regarding blood cancer and show our support to those who are fighting against cancer. 

A word from DOC2US

If you have any questions related to myeloma, you can consult our professional doctors and healthcare professionals on DOC2US. DOC2US is a mobile application that allows you to talk to a doctor or any healthcare professionals via text chat at any time and from anywhere. For better communication, you can even send our online doctor images or voice messages related to your medical inquiry.

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References:

1. Blood Cancers: Types, Diagnosis, Prognosis (verywellhealth.com)

2. Types of Blood Cancer (blood-cancer.com)

3. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) (verywellhealth.com)

4. Risk Factors for Myelodysplastic Syndromes - American Cancer Society

5. Types of Myelodysplastic Syndromes - American Cancer Society

6. Signs and Symptoms of Myelodysplastic Syndromes - American Cancer Society

7. Myeloma - Cancer Stat Facts

8. The 8 Types of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (verywellhealth.com)

Photo source: HealthXchange.sg

Written by

Ms. Wai Yian