Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a blood cancer in which cancerous plasma cells build up in the bone marrow and crowd out the healthy blood cells that help fight infections in the body. While MM can’t be cured, it’s symptoms can be treated with medication, antibiotics, chemotherapy, or a stem cell transplant.
Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma
- Bone pain, especially in the spine, chest or hips.
- Nausea.
- Constipation.
- Loss of appetite.
- Mental fogginess or confusion.
- Tiredness.
- Weakness
- Infections.
- Weight loss
Types of Multiple Myeloma
- Light Chain Myeloma
- Non-secretory Myeloma
- Solitary Plasmacytoma
- Extramedullary Plasmacytoma
- Smoldering Multiple Myeloma
- IgA, IgG, IgD, IgE, and IgM Myeloma
Risk Factors of Myeloma
Age: The risk of developing multiple myeloma goes up as people get older, with less than 1% of cases diagnosed in people younger than 35. Most people diagnosed with MM are at least 65 years old.
Sex: Men are slightly more likely to develop multiple myeloma than women.
Race: Multiple myeloma is more than twice as common in African Americans than in White Americans. The reason for this is not known.
Family history: Someone who has a sibling or parent with myeloma is more likely to get it than someone who does not have this family history.
Excess body weight: Some research has suggested that having excess body weight increases a person’s risk of developing myeloma.
Exposure to Certain Chemicals: Some chemicals, such as some pesticides and herbicides and benzene, can slightly raise your risk for multiple myeloma.
Occupations Most at Risk for Developing Multiple Myeloma
Agricultural Workers: Prolonged exposure to pesticides and herbicides has been linked to an increased risk of multiple myeloma.
Petroleum and Chemical Industry Workers: Exposure to benzene and other petrochemicals are known to be carcinogenic and may increase the risk of multiple myeloma.
Woodworkers and Furniture Manufacturers: Long-term exposure to wood dust and chemicals such as formaldehyde used in the manufacturing process may elevate the risk of developing MM.
Metalworkers and Welders: Working with certain metals and fumes, especially those that produce toxic fumes, can increase the risk of developing MM.
Rubber Industry Workers: Rubber industry workers may have exposure to various chemicals used in rubber manufacturing that may increase the risk of developing MM.
Health Care Workers: Radiologists, oncologists, and other healthcare workers who handle radiation or chemotherapy drugs may be at a higher risk of developing MM.
Military Personnel and Veterans: Veterans, particularly those who served in Vietnam, may have been exposed to Agent Orange, which has been linked to MM.
Firefighters: Firefighters are regularly exposed to harmful substances, such as toxic smoke and chemicals, during firefighting and rescue operations that may increase the risk of MM
Hairdressers and Cosmetologists: Exposure to hair dyes and other chemical products: Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals in beauty products may increase risk of MM.
Miners: Mining can expose workers to various heavy metals and radioactive materials that may increase the risk of MM.
Sources and Effects of Toxins Linked to Multiple Myeloma
1. Benzene
Source: Industrial settings such as oil refineries, chemical plants, and products like plastics, resins, and pesticides.
Effect: Benzene exposure can lead to bone marrow suppression and blood disorders, increasing the risk of multiple myeloma .
2. Pesticides and Herbicides
Source: Used in agriculture; common chemicals include phenoxyacetic acids, organochlorines, and organophosphates.
Effect: Prolonged exposure can disrupt endocrine function and suppress the immune system, raising the risk of multiple myeloma .
3. Formaldehyde
Source: Production of resins, plastics, textiles, and used as a preservative in laboratories and mortuaries.
Effect: Long-term exposure is linked to cancers of the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, leukemia, and multiple myeloma due to DNA repair disruption .
4. Petroleum Products
Source: Petroleum industry products like fuels, lubricants, and various petrochemicals.
Effect: Chronic exposure to petroleum products, especially benzene, is associated with increased risks of hematologic cancers, including multiple myeloma .
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