How Common Is Multiple Myeloma?

Ask the experts

How common is multiple myeloma?

Doctor’s response

In the United States, the lifetime risk getting multiple myeloma is about 1
in 143. In 2017, an estimated 30,300 adults (about 17,900 men and 12,430 women)
will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Furthermore, it is estimated that about
12,590 deaths will occur this year due to multiple myeloma. The five-year
survival rate is about 49%; the survival rate has slowly increased to this level
over the past 10 years.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer the plasma cells in the bone marrow; the cause
of multiple myeloma is not known but risk factors may include genetic
abnormalities and/or environmental exposures such as herbicides, insecticides,
benzene, hair dyes and radiation may also be involved. Malignant multiple
myeloma cells produce an abnormal type protein termed a monoclonal or M protein.
These cells multiply and may form plasmacytomas that eventually can erode or
destroy normal bone cortex.

Common symptoms of multiple myeloma include the following:

Multiple myeloma is diagnosed usually with a bone marrow aspiration and/or a
biopsy of a lesion. Additionally, other tests may include monoclonal
immunoglobulin studies and radiology tests to determine the location of bone
lesions.

Treatment is usually done by specialists that may include oncologists,
hematologists radiologists, experts in stem cell transplantation and/or
orthopedic surgeons. Your medical team can help determine the best treatment for
your individual situation; treatment may include drugs that modulate the immune
system, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplants and possibly
surgery to stabilize bone fractures.

For more information, read our full medical article on multiple myeloma symptoms, treatment, and prognosis.

REFERENCE:

“Multiple Myeloma: Statistics”

Cancer.net 10/2016