Multiple myeloma is a rare type of blood cancer that forms in plasma cells. These cells are part of the white blood cells and are responsible for producing antibodies that protect the body from infections. When plasma cells in the bone marrow (the soft inner tissue of the bones) acquire mutations, they begin to grow and divide uncontrollably, which leads to the development of the disease.
Causes and theories of occurrence
Scientists have not yet been able to determine what exactly causes plasma cell mutations, but certain risk factors are believed to be involved. In particular, cases of multiple myeloma or other plasma cell diseases in close relatives increase the likelihood of developing this pathology.
Genetic mutations and oncogenes
- Oncogenes are genes that regulate cell growth and division. Abnormalities in the functioning of these genes are often found in people with multiple myeloma. If the oncogene is mutated, the plasma cell may start dividing too quickly, contributing to its development into a cancerous cell.
Abnormalities of chromosomes
- Chromosomes are thread-like structures made of DNA that control processes in the cell. Many people with multiple myeloma have chromosome abnormalities that change the standard mechanisms of cell growth and division. In particular, part of the 17th chromosome is often missing, which can make the cancer more aggressive and challenging to treat.
- The chromosomal abnormalities that can cause cancer include duplication, deletion, translocation and inversion. It has been found that translocations can lead to excessive multiplication of oncogenes and trigger the process of tumour formation.
Heredity of the disease
Multiple myeloma may have a genetic component. The risk increases if the disease was previously diagnosed in parents or siblings. However, even so, most people with a family history of multiple myeloma do not develop it. Moreover, many people face this diagnosis without having any family history of cancer at all.
Who gets sick more often?
Some people are at increased risk. This is due to several factors:
- Age: most cases occur in people over the age of 65. Before the age of 35, multiple myeloma is rarely diagnosed.
- Gender: men are slightly more likely to be affected than women.
- Ethnicity: In the United States, multiple myeloma is twice as common in African Americans as in Caucasians. The exact reason for this difference is not yet known.
Risk factors
A risk factor is anything that increases the likelihood of getting a disease. Some factors cannot be influenced (e.g., age, gender, heredity), but some circumstances can be controlled or changed.
Being overweight
Some studies suggest that being overweight may increase the risk of several diseases, including multiple myeloma. However, more data is needed to confirm this correlation definitively.
Other plasma cell disorders
- Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS): a condition in which plasma cells produce too many copies of a single antibody. In most cases, a person does not experience any symptoms, but having MGUS can increase the risk of developing cancer.
- Solitary plasmacytoma: a rare form of bone cancer that affects plasma cells. It usually involves a single tumour focus, but this condition can also contribute to the transition of the disease to multiple myeloma.
Conclusion.
The exact causes of multiple myeloma are not yet fully understood, but scientists believe that genetic mutations and damage to oncogenes that regulate normal cell growth and division play a key role. Possible additional risk factors include old age, male gender, African-American ancestry, family history of cancer, overweight, and certain plasma cell disorders (MGUS and solitary plasmacytoma).
If you are concerned about your risk, consult a medical professional. The doctor will help you assess the situation, prescribe the necessary examinations, and recommend how to reduce the likelihood of the disease or detect it early.
