Hematology and Oncology Specialist Discusses the Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment of Multiple Myeloma

Mr. Chen, a 62-year-old man in good physical condition, often felt fatigued without much activity and experienced discomfort in his thigh joints while walking. After visiting the orthopedic clinic, he was referred to the hematology-oncology clinic. Following a series of tests, he was found to have bone erosion, anemia, edema, low albumin levels, and elevated immunoglobulin levels. A subsequent bone marrow aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of "multiple myeloma."

As shown in the image, the bone at the arrowed area is eroded: Source - aboutcancer.com/myeloma

Gain In-Depth Understanding of Your Blood Condition to Identify Issues

　　In adults, bone marrow is primarily located in the ribs, sternum, spine, and pelvis. In a 65-kilogram adult, the body contains approximately 5,000 milliliters of blood, half of which is water and the other half consists of blood cells (including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets). These blood cells are continuously undergoing metabolism, and the "bone marrow" is responsible for producing them. The term "anemia" commonly refers to a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood. When abnormalities in blood cell counts are detected, examining the bone marrow becomes an essential part of the diagnostic process!

Bone Marrow Examination: Safe and Simple

　　For convenience and safety, medical professionals typically perform bone marrow biopsies from the posterior iliac crest (the hard area at the upper edge of the buttocks). The procedure is similar to drawing blood, but it uses a larger needle. The examination site is located on the posterior side of the pelvis (as shown in the image for the bone marrow biopsy, indicating the aspiration and incision areas). This method does not involve contacting the spinal column along the midline of the back, thus avoiding any risk of nerve injury. It is a safe and straightforward procedure, yet it is crucial for diagnosing blood disorders, whether benign or malignant.

Multiple Myeloma: Common Symptoms

　　From its literal meaning, "multiple myeloma" indicates that tumors arise from the hematopoietic factory, the "bone marrow." Patients often experience issues with blood cells, commonly presenting as "anemia." Since bone marrow exists in all bones throughout the body, the tumors can spread widely and are classified as multiple myeloma. In severe cases, they may erode the external bones, leading to the phenomenon of "bone erosion," which can cause bone pain in some patients. Diagnosing multiple myeloma involves blood tests and bone marrow aspiration. Blood tests help determine if there are abnormalities in the levels of proteins in the blood.

Specialized Treatment and Active Medication to Regain Control of Your Life

　　"Multiple myeloma" is a common type of hematologic malignancy, with approximately 760 new patients diagnosed each year in Taiwan, typically between the ages of 68 and 70. Compared to other acute leukemias, this type of blood cancer has a relatively slow progression. With advancements in medical treatments, the primary therapeutic approach now involves targeted therapies (administered via subcutaneous injection or orally), which have fewer side effects and greater efficacy compared to traditional chemotherapy. Under targeted therapy, diseases that were previously difficult to treat can now be managed similarly to chronic conditions like "hypertension" or "diabetes."