If multiple myeloma is not treated, it can worsen over time and cause several serious health problems. Without treatment, the cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, spleen, lungs, and liver.
These abnormal cells may cause fractures and organ damage as they continue to multiply, invade, and weaken healthy cells. In addition to contributing to anemia—a condition that causes fatigue, shortness of breath, and paleness—uncontrolled myeloma cells can produce abnormal proteins that may clog the kidneys, leading to kidney impairment or failure.
Refraining from treatment may also prevent the body from making enough of certain white blood cells, making it harder for the immune system to fight off illnesses. Ultimately, without treatment, multiple myeloma can lead to a much shorter life expectancy.
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How Long Can multiple myeloma go untreated?
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow, and without treatment, it can be a potentially fatal disease. While there is no definitive answer to the question of how long multiple myeloma can go untreated, the prognosis and course of the disease depend heavily on a number of factors, such as the stage of the disease, the type of myeloma cells present, and the patient’s overall health and age.
In general, individuals with asymptomatic multiple myeloma may have life expectancy of several years, even without treatment. For those with symptoms, the life expectancy is typically shorter, but again, depends on factors such as early diagnosis and the type of treatment received.
For example, some other diseases may present with similar or overlapping symptoms to multiple myeloma, and if not carefully evaluated and managed by an experienced hematologist oncologist, can progress rapidly to more severe presentations.
Without treatment, individuals with multiple myeloma may experience severe pain, bone fractures, and other severe symptoms, significantly reducing their quality of life. However, with early diagnosis and prompt treatment, the outlook is generally very good, with most individuals showing significant improvement within a few months.
In conclusion, there is no definitive answer to how long multiple myeloma can go untreated; however, prompt diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the prognosis of the disease. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any symptoms that may be associated with multiple myeloma.
What happens if multiple myeloma is left untreated?
If multiple myeloma is left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications due to the overcrowding of the abnormal cancer cells in the bone marrow. These cells will limit the production of healthy red blood cells leading to anemia and a decrease in the ability to fight infections.
It can also lead to weakened bones, risk of infection, hypercalcemia, kidney problems, and an unhealthy accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. In addition, the cancer cells will continue to grow and spread, leading to potential metastasis in other parts of the body.
Left untreated, multiple myeloma is a progressive and life-threatening disease.
How quickly does multiple myeloma progress?
The exact rate at which multiple myeloma progresses varies from person to person. How quickly the cancer progresses can depend on the person’s age, overall health, and the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed.
If a person is diagnosed while in an early stage, they could have a lower risk of the cancer causing severe symptoms or progressing rapidly. In general, many forms of multiple myeloma can progress slowly and linger for a long time before becoming more severe.
In some cases, multiple myeloma progresses in cycles known as relapse and remission. During remission, the symptoms may diminish or even disappear, while during relapse they may become more severe. The cancer may progress more rapidly during a relapse than when in remission.
The outcome of multiple myeloma can vary widely, and with medical advances, the prognosis for multiple myeloma improves every year. Some people experience remission for a year or more with available treatments; others may have long periods of stability.
It’s important to talk with a doctor to discuss the potential rate of progression and receive a personalized prognosis.
Can you have multiple myeloma for years and not know it?
Yes, it is possible to have multiple myeloma for years and not know it. Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow that often does not cause visible symptoms until it has progressed to later stages.
Symptoms that may eventually occur include bone pain, fatigue, weight loss, frequent infections, anemia, and increased risk of fractures. In many cases, people may have a number of other symptoms that are attributed to other ailments and illnesses, potentially causing them to overlook potential signs of multiple myeloma.
It is important for those with potential symptoms to be tested and evaluated by a healthcare provider to help ensure its early detection, as doing so can greatly improve the prospects for successful treatment.
What are the symptoms of late stage multiple myeloma?
In its late stages, multiple myeloma (MM) can cause a variety of symptoms, the most common of which are fatigue, joint pain, bone fractures, weight loss, anemia, and prone to infection. Other late stage symptoms of multiple myeloma include:
• Bone lesions and bone pain which could lead to bone fractures which can cause severe bone pain.
• A feeling of weakness and fatigue because multiple myeloma can damage the bone marrow, impairing the production of red blood cells which helps transport oxygen throughout the body. In addition, MM can cause hypercalcemia, or a high level of calcium in the blood, causing further fatigue, confusion and dehydration.
• High levels of proteins in the blood and urine, known as oligoclonal paraproteins, which if high enough can lead to kidney problems.
• Increased risk for bleeding due to low platelet counts, known as thrombocytopenia, caused by the malignant plasma cells overtaking the production of normal cells in the bone marrow.
• Neuropathy, or nerve damage, caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12; this can result in numbness, tingling, and even paralysis.
• Constipation or diarrhea due to the accumulation of waste products in the intestines, which can be brought on by damage to the nerve endings.
• Deposits of malignant cells in other organs, often the lungs, which can lead to difficulty breathing, chest pain, and coughing up blood.
•Changes in vision due to the accumulation of plasma cells within the eyes.
If these symptoms occur, it is important to speak with your doctor in order to get the proper diagnostic testing. Early diagnosis and treatment can help delay the progression of multiple myeloma and improve the patient’s quality of life.
What is the most frequent cause of death in a patient with multiple myeloma?
The most frequent cause of death in a patient with multiple myeloma is complications related to the disease itself, such as infections, bone fractures, or organ failure. Studies have shown that the most frequent cause of death in individuals with multiple myeloma is infection.
Many of these infections are caused by the abnormal proteins and cells produced by the disease, which weaken the immune system and make it easier for infections to take hold. Additionally, a weakened and fragile skeleton due to the damage caused by multiple myeloma can lead to severe bone fractures, which can be life threatening if not treated quickly.
Lastly, multiple myeloma can lead to organ failure, often from organ damage due to the proliferation of cancer cells and the release of toxic substances from dying cancer cells, both of which can lead to organ dysfunction and failure.
When does myeloma become terminal?
Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a type of cancer that develops in plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell located in the bone marrow. Myeloma is an incurable cancer and terminal myeloma is an advanced stage of myeloma.
Terminal myeloma is sometimes referred to as end-stage myeloma and occurs when the cancer has grown and spread throughout the body and no longer responds to treatment.
Terminal myeloma is usually identified after a patient has had multiple myeloma for several years and the myeloma has become resistant to chemotherapy and other treatments. Some symptoms of terminal myeloma can include severe fatigue, anemia, weight loss, and persistent pain in the bones.
Additionally, patients may experience frequent infections, difficulty with physical activities, and other complications.
It is impossible to determine how long a person may live following a diagnosis of terminal myeloma. Every individual is different, and factors such as age, overall health, and response to treatment plan can all contribute to the prognosis for someone with terminal myeloma.
Treatment for terminal myeloma can include chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplants, as well as experimental treatments such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Many patients also choose to seek supportive care and pain management to improve their quality of life during their remaining time.
Can you treat myeloma without chemo?
Yes, it is possible to treat myeloma without chemotherapy. Non-chemotherapy treatments include targeted therapy, immune therapy, and radiation therapy. Targeted therapies block the growth and spread of myeloma cells by interfering with specific molecules that are involved in the growth or spread of cancer cells.
Immune therapy helps the body’s own immune system to recognize and attack myeloma cells. Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill myeloma cells. Other non-chemotherapy treatments include stem cell transplantation, hormone therapy, and bisphosphonate therapy.
Stem cell transplantation involves replacing diseased bone marrow cells with healthy ones from a donor. Hormone therapy slows the growth of myeloma cells by blocking their ability to receive signals that stimulate growth.
Lastly, bisphosphonate therapy helps to reduce the risk of fractures by controlling the growth and spread of myeloma cells. Some patients may only require one of these non-chemotherapy treatments, while others may require more than one.
Is myeloma always terminal?
No, myeloma is not always terminal. While myeloma can be a serious and life-threatening condition, many people with myeloma are able to live for many years with the disease. It is possible to achieve remission for myeloma, and many patients are able to maintain a relatively normal quality of life through the use of treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and medications like steroids and immunomodulators.
Since myeloma is a chronic condition, there is no single cure for it, but ongoing and timely medical care can help to control its progression and improve the outlook for many patients. Additionally, there have been exciting developments in the past decade in the field of myeloma research, with new treatments that can help some people to achieve full remission or even cure the condition.
Is multiple myeloma classed as a terminal illness?
Multiple myeloma is classified as a serious and incurable blood cancer, but it is not necessarily a terminal illness. While prognosis for multiple myeloma can vary greatly depending on a person’s age and overall health, modern treatments are often effective in helping to slow progression and prolong life.
Additionally, new treatments are being developed that hold the promise of better outcomes for those with multiple myeloma. However, long-term remission is rare and the cancer often returns. This means that those with multiple myeloma are generally considered to have chronic but not necessarily terminal illness.
How do you know when multiple myeloma is getting worse?
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. It often progresses slowly, over months to years, so there may not be any noticeable changes for patients at first. However, it is important to regularly monitor the progression of multiple myeloma and recognize any signs that it is getting worse.
In general, if the patient experiences more fatigue, becomes more susceptible to infections, and has anemia, these can all be signs that the cancer is getting worse. Other signs of progression can include an increase in risk of hypercalcemia, or calcium accumulation, in the body and an increased number of bones affected by multiple myeloma.
Additionally, changes in physical symptoms such as bone pain, difficulty breathing, and changes in mobility can also be signs of progression. Finally, an increase in any of the proteins produced by multiple myeloma, including monoclonal immunoglobulin, beta-2-microglobulin, or lactate dehydrogenase can indicate progression.
It is important to be aware of any of these signs and speak to a medical professional if any are recognized.
How do you know what stage of myeloma you have?
There are four stages of myeloma, which can be determined by doctors through a variety of tests and analyses. To determine the stage of myeloma, they will typically start by performing a physical examination, taking a history of any symptoms, and ordering blood tests.
They may also order X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, or a slit lamp examination for further assessment.
During the tests, doctors will examine the amount of tumor cells and analyze how much the disease has spread to different organs or parts of the body, such as the bones and the spinal cord. The results of these tests will help your doctor determine the type, amount and location of the myeloma cells.
Based on the results of these tests, your doctor can stage your disease:
Stage One: In this stage of myeloma, the disease is confined to a single place in your body. The cancer cells may be found in your bone marrow or in a single area within a bone.
Stage Two: At this stage, you have myeloma that has spread to or affected more than one area inside a single bone.
Stage Three: In this stage, myeloma has spread outside of the bone to tissue within your body, such as the liver, kidneys, lymph nodes and lungs.
Stage Four: At this stage, the myeloma has spread to other areas of the body such as muscles, vertebrae, or other organs that are distant from the primary tumor site.
Your doctor may also order genetic tests to determine if your cancer cells contain certain genetic markers that can give a better sense of how aggressively the cancer is likely to grow. Once your doctor has identified the stage of your myeloma, they can create an individualized treatment plan for you.
What is the median survival time for a patient diagnosed with multiple myeloma?
The median survival time for a patient diagnosed with multiple myeloma is approximately 4 to 5 years. This timeline is based on the stage of the disease as well as the treatment option chosen. For instance, a patient with early stage multiple myeloma may have a median survival time of 5 to 7 years, while a patient with late stage multiple myeloma may have a median survival time of 1 to 2 years.
Treatment options such as stem cell transplant, chemoimmunotherapy, and various other antibody-based treatments can impact the median survival times for multiple myeloma patients. Studies have also shown that lifestyle changes such as eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can help extend survival time as well.
What is the most common complication of multiple myeloma?
The most common complication of multiple myeloma is hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia occurs when too much calcium builds up in the blood due to an imbalance between the production and excretion of calcium from bones.
The excess calcium affects the body’s ability to regulate the level of fluids in tissues. Hypercalcemia can cause symptoms such as confusion, excessive thirst and urination, nausea, constipation, muscle weakness, and fatigue.
Treatment to lower calcium levels in the blood may include medications such as bisphosphonates and calcitonin, and sometimes severe cases may require dialysis. Other complications of multiple myeloma may include kidney disease, infection, and anemia.
Monitoring and prompt treatment are essential to avoid or minimize these serious complications.
