A life-threatening and incurable cancer of the plasma cells is, according to the scientific community, the multiple myeloma, with which the former minister and long-time MP of the New Democracy, Dora Bakoyannis, was diagnosed.
Multiple myeloma (also called plasmacytoma or Kahler's disease) is a malignant transformation of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow that produces antibodies and helps fight infections.
When plasma cells turn into cancer cells and multiply, they are called myeloma cells.
Normal bone marrow produces hematopoietic stem cells that develop into healthy blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. When an accumulation of myeloma cells occurs, it can exceed the production of healthy cells by causing bone damage as well as low blood cell counts. The accumulation of myeloma cells in different areas is called multiple myeloma.
The exact causes of multiple myeloma are unknown.
Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematological cancer, however it is a rare form of cancer.
Worldwide, multiple myeloma affects approximately 1 to 5 people per 100.000 population per year and accounts for 0,8% of all cancers.
The five-year survival rate for patients with the disease is about 44%.
Multiple myeloma can be detected during a routine blood test, however it is more likely to be diagnosed only after bone x-rays due to fractures or because patients have other symptoms.
The symptoms of multiple myeloma
Symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people have no symptoms during the early stages of the disease. Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the bones, often in the back or ribs
- Bone damage, including fractures and / or bone thinning
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections and fever
- Weight loss
- Nausea or constipation
- Frequent urination
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