Multiple myeloma is a cancer that begins in a type of white blood cell known as a plasma cell. These cells are there to help fight infections by releasing antibodies that can recognize and attack germs. The cancer causes cancerous cells to grow in the bone marrow, where they overcrowd the healthy blood cells. Prevention becomes difficult when the causes and risk factors of multiple myeloma are still unknown. The initial stages do not show any symptoms and it only starts becoming prominent as the disease progresses.

Doctors need to carry out various medical tests to obtain a proper diagnosis so that it could be followed by various treatment methods.

1. Diagnosis of multiple myeloma
The various procedures involved in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma are discussed below.

• Examination of bone marrow
  Doctors might remove a sample of the bone marrow in patients for testing in a laboratory. The sample is collected with the help of a long needle that is inserted into the bone. Specialized tests such as Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) is carried out to analyze the myeloma cells to understand its genetic abnormalities. Tests are also conducted to measure the rate of myeloma cell division.
• Blood tests
  M protein is one of the risk factors for multiple myeloma. Hence blood tests are carried out to reveal the presence of this protein produced by the myeloma cells. Besides, these cells also produce another type of abnormal protein called beta-2-microglobulin, which can also be detected in the blood tests. Blood tests are also carried out to examine the blood cell counts, the levels of calcium and uric acid in the blood and also to reveal the condition of the kidneys. All these test results are important in making the correct diagnosis.
• Urine tests
  Urine tests also reveal the presence of M protein which is known as Bence Jones proteins when being detected in urine.
• Imaging tests
  Tests such as MRI, CT scan, and PET scan are conducted to detect the problems in the bones caused as a result of multiple myeloma.

2. Treatments of multiple myeloma
Treatments are effective in relieving pain. They also help in controlling the health complications and slowing down the progress of multiple myeloma. However, if patients show no signs or symptoms, treatment is not needed immediately. Doctors might conduct regular health tests to monitor whether the disease is progressing in patients.

• Targeted therapy

The presence of M proteins which is characteristic of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a risk factor for multiple myeloma. As a part of targeted therapy, various medications are used to block the action of a substance in myeloma cells responsible for breaking down proteins. Other forms of targeted therapy include administering monoclonal antibody medicines that bind to the particular protein present in the myeloma cells causing their death.

• Biological therapy

Biological therapy medications improve the body’s immune system to identify and attack the myeloma cells. They are commonly consumed in the form of pills.

• Bone marrow transplant

This is also called stem cell transplant and this process involves replacing the diseased bone marrow with healthy ones. High doses of chemotherapy are administered before the transplant to destroy the diseased one. Stem cells are infused into the body where they travel to the bones and start rebuilding the bone marrow.

• Chemotherapy and radiation

Chemotherapy medicines are used for destroying fast-growing myeloma cells. On the other hand, in radiation therapy, beams of energy are used to damage the cancerous cells and stop their growth.

Depending on the diagnosis, these above-mentioned methods are used for the treatment of multiple myeloma.