preview

Multiple Myeloma Research Paper

Decent Essays

Multiple Myeloma:

The Diagnosis and Treatment of a Harmful Disease

Sarah Erickson

Anatomy & Physiology 4th period

Dr. Minter

March 1, 2016
Abstract

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow. These cells typically contribute in the immune system, but in this cancer, they can accumulate and block healthy plasma cells. The cancer cells begin to divide until they spread into the bone marrow and eventually weaken the hard cortex of the bone outside of the marrow. The erosion of the bone marrow causes pain or even breaks and fractures of the bones damaged by the cancer. Multiple Myeloma is an individual type of cancer centered around the cancerous, plasma cells, and is categorized by its symptoms, development, and treatment.

Risk Factors

The exact the cause of multiple myeloma is unknown, but studies have been conducted to suggest risk factors that aid in its development. Research shows certain risk factors such as exposure to herbicides, insecticides, benzene, hair dyes, and radiation, but there is no exact evidence. Other research has suggested that certain occupations can prompt multiple myeloma. Occupations that have exposure to specific chemicals or radiation such as agricultural occupations , petroleum workers, workers in leather …show more content…

Symptoms of multiple myeloma can be difficult to detect in patients with beginning stages of this disease, but certain tests are used to diagnose patient. The exact cause of multiple myeloma is unknown. However, risk factors such as age and occupation can lead to determining a diagnosis. Treatment of multiple myeloma is inconclusive, but is used to prolong life or relieve pain of patients suffering from their condition. Perhaps as new information is discovered and science progresses, the cure for this degenerative disease can finally be

Get Access