What is myeloma?
Myeloma is a type of blood cancer. It affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. It can cause kidney and nerve problems or stop bone marrow from making regular blood cells. Myeloma can also affect the bone tissue, causing brittle bones and fractures, and high levels of calcium in the blood.
Myeloma can also cause issues like:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Feeling sick, drowsy or confused
- Abnormal bleeding and bruising
- Bone pain or broken bones
- Increased risk of infections
What will my GP do now for my myeloma?
Your GP will talk to you about your symptoms. If they think you have myeloma, your GP will arrange blood and urine tests to diagnose you. If your GP thinks you have myeloma, they will refer you to a haematologist for a bone marrow biopsy. You may need to have more tests to work out the stage of your cancer. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and where it has spread.
Treatment options can include:
- Pain relief
- Medicines that target the cancer
- Chemotherapy
- Stem cell transplant (to replace bone marrow cells with new, healthy cells)
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
Your cancer care team will explain the treatments, their benefits and possible side effects. While there is no cure for myeloma, treatment helps to control symptoms. Your GP may refer you to the hospital if you have any symptoms or test results that are of concern.
What will my GP do in the future?
Once you have been diagnosed, you will see a specialist for check-ups and treatment when needed. Your GP will also support your general health and wellbeing needs.