How to treat multiple myeloma?
Treating Multiple Myeloma 1 Local treatments. Some treatments are called local therapies. 2 Systemic treatments. Multiple myeloma can also be treated using drugs,... 3 Common treatment approaches. Depending on the stage of the cancer,... 4 Making treatment decisions. It’s important to discuss all of your treatment options,...
What steroids are used to treat multiple myeloma?
These steroids play an important role in treatment of multiple myeloma. They have both anti-inflammatory and anti-myeloma effects. Dexamethasone is a synthetic adrenocortical steroid. Adrenocortical steroids are also produced naturally by the adrenal glands in the body. They are known as glucocorticosteroids or corticosteroids.
Is dexamethasone used to treat multiple myeloma?
These steroids play an important role in treatment of multiple myeloma. They have both anti-inflammatory and anti-myeloma effects. Dexamethasone is a synthetic adrenocortical steroid.
What is a relapse in multiple myeloma?
Recurrent or Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma. This is a relapse of disease when you've had some response to treatment, then either get non-responsive while on salvage therapy (treatment given when standard treatment doesn't work) or progress within 60 days of your last treatment. Primary refractory myeloma .
Can distended abdomen be cured?
A chronic case may be treated supplementally with diuretics (for fluid), laxatives (for constipation) or activated charcoal capsules (for gas). If you have functional abdominal distension and the cause is unknown, it might take some trial and error to manage it.
Does multiple myeloma cause stomach bloating?
A case of acute colonic pseudoobstruction is presented which developed in a patient with multiple myeloma. The patient presented with severe thoracic pain, persistent and increasing abdominal distention and lack of bowel sounds.
Can multiple myeloma spread to stomach?
The extraskeletal spread of multiple myeloma occurs more frequently than is currently recognized, but clinical involvement of the gut is rarely reported. Where it does occur, the small bowel is most commonly involved, followed by the stomach, colon, and esophagus.
What are the symptoms of end stage multiple myeloma?
But when you have late-stage multiple myeloma, your symptoms may show up as:Being sick to your stomach.Bone pain in your back or ribs.Bruising or bleeding easily.Feeling very tired.Fevers.Frequent infections that are hard to treat.Losing a lot of weight.Not feeling like eating.More items...•
How do I fix bloating?
Beat The BloatEat slowly, and consume smaller, more frequent meals.Chew your foods well.Drink beverages at room temperature.Have your dentures checked for a good fit.Increase physical activity during the day.Sit up straight after eating.Take a stroll after eating.
How can I reduce my chemo belly?
Balance your meals with foods less likely to cause bloating, including lean protein, (fish, chicken, lean meats), moderate healthy fats (smooth nut and seed butters, avocado) and whole grains including bread, rice, oatmeal, well-cooked barley (think soup) and well-cooked carrots, beets, green beans, squash and spinach.
Where does myeloma spread to first?
At first, the cells reproduce in the bone marrow of the spine. From there, they enter the bloodstream and travel to bone marrow in other parts of the body. They collect in the bone marrow and the hard, outer part of the bones. As this progression happens, the plasma cells can cause multiple tumors.
How does multiple myeloma affect the digestive system?
The presentation of gastrointestinal (GI) plasmacytoma is non-specific, alternate to other sites of organ involvement, and the common symptom is abdominal pain. Other symptoms include lower GI bleeding, weight loss, change in bowel habits and large bowel obstruction.
How fast does myeloma spread?
How quickly multiple myeloma progresses can vary between people. An older 2007 study of 276 people found that there was a 10% risk of progression in people with early multiple myeloma per year for the first 5 years of illness.
Does multiple myeloma cause swelling?
Multiple myeloma represents clonal proliferation of plasma cells and is a condition in which a facial swelling might be present, though not common.
What is the newest treatment for multiple myeloma?
The latest approval is for the combination of daratumumab plus hyaluronidase-fijh (Darzalex Faspro) plus carfilzomib (Kyprolis) and the steroid dexamethasone for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who received one to three prior treatments.
What is the last stage of myeloma?
In multiple myeloma cases, stage 3 is the terminal stage. This means it's the most advanced stage of this type of rare cancer. Doctors use the international staging system to determine the stage of the cancer. This system is based on the levels of serum beta-2 microglobulin and serum albumin.
Can myeloma cause digestive problems?
Conclusions. Multiple myeloma has myriad presentations. Gastrointestinal involvement, although rare, can manifest as small bowel obstruction for which early recognition and appropriate surgical management are key to improving outcome.
Does Revlimid cause bloating?
Treatment with REVLIMID can cause constipation. When you have constipation, you do not have as many bowel movements as you normally do. You may also feel bloated and uncomfortable, and have hard, painful bowel movements.
Does multiple myeloma affect the eyes?
Uncommonly, myeloma itself may have direct effects on the eye. In some cases, large amounts of paraprotein (the abnormal antibody produced by myeloma cells) can make the blood thicker. This is called hyperviscosity. This can sometimes reduce or even block the blood supply to the eye and cause loss of vision.
What are crab symptoms?
Many people with multiple myeloma present with C.R.A.B symptoms. This acronym stands for calcium elevation, renal insufficiency, anemia, and bone abnormalities. Although these are not the only symptoms of multiple myeloma, they are very common.
How to treat multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma can also be treated using drugs, which can be given by mouth or directly into the bloodstream. These systemic therapies can reach cancer cells anywhere in the body.
What is complementary medicine?
Complementary methods refer to treatments that are used along with your regular medical care. Alternative treatments are used instead of a doctor’s medical treatment. Although some of these methods might be helpful in relieving symptoms or helping you feel better, many have not been proven to work.
Why is it important to discuss treatment options with your doctor?
Making treatment decisions. It’s important to discuss all of your treatment options, including their goals and possible side effects, with your doctors to help make the decision that best fits your needs. It’s also very important to ask questions if there's anything you’re not sure about.
What do people with cancer need?
People with cancer need support and information, no matter what stage of illness they may be in. Knowing all of your options and finding the resources you need will help you make informed decisions about your care.
What are the services offered by the American Cancer Society?
These might include nursing or social work services, financial aid, nutritional advice, rehab, or spiritual help. The American Cancer Society also has programs and services – including rides to treatment, lodging, and more – to help you get through treatment.
Can you continue cancer treatment?
Whether or not you continue treatment, there are still things you can do to help maintain or improve your quality of life.
Can stem cell transplants be combined?
Depending on the stage of the cancer, whether or not you are a candidate for a stem cell transplant, and other factors, different types of treatment may be combined at the same time or used after one another.
Overview
A distended abdomen is measurably swollen beyond its normal size. It’s often accompanied by the feeling of being bloated with trapped gas or digestive contents. However, abdominal distension isn’t always from digestive processes.
Possible Causes
A distended abdomen is either an organic or a functional problem. An organic problem can be proven and explained by physical evidence, like a disease. Functional problems are observable but unexplained.
Care and Treatment
If you seek medical care for your distended abdomen, your healthcare provider will work to isolate the cause. They’ll start by asking you questions about your symptoms and examining your abdomen to see where it's distended.
What is the staging system for multiple myeloma?
There are two systems that identify the stages of multiple myeloma. The newer one, which doctors use most often, is the revised international staging system (RISS). It predicts how well you'll do with treatment. It measures four things to figure out how aggressive your cancer is: Albumin levels.
Why is smoldering multiple myeloma not used as much as it used to be?
It isn't used as much as it used to be because multiple myeloma is getting diagnosed at earlier stages. Smoldering Multiple Myeloma. Some people have multiple myeloma for months or years before they even know they're sick. This earliest phase is called smoldering multiple myeloma.
What is the earliest stage of myeloma?
This earliest phase is called smoldering multiple myeloma. When you have it, you won't have any symptoms, but your test results will show: At least 10% to 59% of your bone marrow is made up of cancerous plasma cells. You have the abnormal antibodies that myeloma cells make in your blood or urine.
How long does it take for myeloma to progress?
This is a relapse of disease when you've had some response to treatment, then either get non-responsive while on salvage therapy (treatment given when standard treatment doesn't work) or progress within 60 days of your last treatment. Primary refractory myeloma.
What are the symptoms of multiple myeloma?
Other symptoms of advanced multiple myeloma include unusual fractures, shortness of breath, weakness, feeling very thirsty, and belly pain. Refractory myeloma is when your disease doesn't respond to treatment or comes back after treatment.
What protein is high in blood when you have multiple myeloma?
This protein in your blood shows how healthy you are overall. Beta-2 microglobulin ( B2M). Levels of this protein in your blood are high when you have multiple myeloma. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). This enzyme can be high if your disease is more advanced.
Can you get smoldering multiple myeloma?
It's rare to be diagnosed with smoldering multiple myeloma. Many people only find out they have it because a blood test they took for another reason showed unusual protein levels. Active Multiple Myeloma. If you're having symptoms, or there are signs that the cancer has damaged your organs, you have active myeloma.
What is a distended stomach?
A distended stomach is a condition where there is swelling or distension of the abdomen and not actually of the stomach. This occurs when there is accumulation of certain substances, such as gas/air or fluid in the abdomen which results in outward expansion of the stomach and waist beyond its normal girth.
Why is my stomach distended?
Excessive eating and aerophagia (air swallowing) is one of the common causes of distended stomach. Other causes of distended stomach include inflammatory bowel diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, transient constipation, functional dyspepsia and diabetes.
What is the condition where fluid accumulates in the abdomen?
Ascites is a medical condition where the fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity which can give the abdomen an appearance of distended stomach. Patient can experience other symptoms also along with a distended stomach, such as nausea, belching, vomiting, fever, diarrhea or pain in the abdomen.
Can a person have a distended stomach after surgery?
A person can also experience distended stomach or stomach distension after some types of abdominal surgery. Cirrhosis and heart failure can also cause stomach distension. There is accumulation of fluid in the abdomen in both of these conditions which produces a feeling of fullness. Ovarian cancer can also cause distended stomach.
Can ovarian cancer cause a distended stomach?
Ovarian cancer can also cause distended stomach. Poor intestinal motility can also cause distended stomach. Certain types of medications, such as anti-spasmodic and antidepressants can decrease the motility of the gut leading to a distended stomach.
Why does myeloma cause pain?
These osteolytic lesions are painful and can increase the risk of painful breaks or fractures. Myeloma can also cause nerve damage or pain when a tumor presses up against a nerve.
How does multiple myeloma affect the bone?
Long-term effects of multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a serious condition on its own, but both the cancer and the resulting bone damage can lead to several serious long-term effects. The most obvious of these long-term effects is chronic bone weakness and pain. The lesions and soft spots in the bone that occur due to ...
What percentage of patients with multiple myeloma experience bone loss?
According to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, approximately 85 percent of patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma experience some degree of bone loss and the pain associated with it.
How do you take bisphosphonates?
Bisphosphonates are prescription medications that can prevent the bone cells from breaking down and damaging the bone. You can take them by mouth or receive them through a vein (intravenously). Anticonvulsants and antidepressants are sometimes used to treat pain that stems from nerve damage. These can sometimes interrupt or slow down ...
Is multiple myeloma painful?
Multiple myeloma can be painful. While treating the myeloma itself is the first priority, several treatment options are available that focus purely on relieving your pain. Medical and natural treatment options are available to treat bone pain and lesions.
Can you take supplements without a doctor's advice?
Never take any new supplements without first talking to your doctor. Natural supplements can include fish oil and magnesium: Fish oil capsules and liquid contain an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, which may improve peripheral nerve health and may reduce painful nerve damage and inflammation. Magnesium can:
Can myeloma cause nerve pain?
If tumors press up against the nerves or cause spinal cord compression, you may experience long-term nervous system damage. Since some myeloma treatments can also cause nerve damage, many people develop tingling or pain in areas of nerve damage.
How to stop stomach swelling from gas?
Some of these foods are beans and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage. Avoid drinking carbonated drinks and drinking out of a straw.
What to do if your kidneys are swollen?
Medical treatment. If rest and lowering the amount of sodium in your diet don’t work to relieve symptoms, your doctor might suggest using diuretics. Diuretics will help your kidneys remove more of the fluid causing the swelling. In rare cases, an infection can develop in your ascitic fluid.
Why is my abdomen swollen?
Your abdomen could be swollen for different reasons. These range from eating too much to pregnancy. Only your doctor will be able to determine the exact cause of your swollen abdomen. A common cause of abdominal swelling is gas. Swallowing air as part of a nervous habit or from eating foods that are high in fiber can lead to gas production.
How to know if you have a swollen abdomen?
Seek medical care if you have extreme diarrhea or blood in your stool. If you find that you’re unable to eat or drink for more than eight hours, tell your doctor.
Can dairy cause swollen abdomen?
If you experience a swollen abdomen within two hours of ingesting dairy, you might be lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance is most common in people of African, Asian, Hispanic and American Indian descent.
What is the best medication for myeloma pain?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen should be avoided because they can increase the risk of kidney damage in people with myeloma.
How to stay safe with myeloma neuropathy?
If you’ve lost feeling in your hands or feet, you may be at risk of burns or cuts that wouldn’t occur if you had full sensation. Using potholders when cooking and checking water temperature with a thermometer are basic steps for staying safe .
What causes numbness in myeloma?
What Causes Myeloma Neuropathy? Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is the primary cause of this side effect, but myeloma itself can also cause the nerve pain, numbness, and tingling.
What is the name of the medication that is used to treat multiple myeloma?
Dexamethasone. Dexamethasone is often known as “dex” for short. Other brand names for dexamethasone are. Dexamethasone is one of the most frequently used medications in the treatment of multiple myeloma. It is within the same class as the adrenal corticosteroids, such as prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone.
Does dexamethasone go away?
They will go away when treatment is completed. Do not stop taking any of your medications or reduce your doses on your own. Talking to your doctor about side effects is important. You can also find more information about side effects on the dexamethasone side effects page.
Can dexamethasone cause fluid retention?
Cardiac Conditions and Fluid Retention. Use of dexamethasone and other steroids can cause. increases in blood pressure. salt and water retention. potassium and calcium excretion. These changes are more likely to occur when steroids are taken in large doses.
Is dexamethasone an anti-inflammatory?
They have both anti-inflammatory and anti-myeloma effects. Dexamethasone is a synthetic ad renocortical steroid. Adrenocortical steroids are also produced naturally by the adrenal glands in the body. They are known as glucocorticosteroids or corticosteroids.
Causes
Symptoms
- Avoid aerated drinks, foods that cause flatulence
- Have a low fiber diet
- Try probiotics
- Triggers can be specific for individuals. Identify and avoid them (eg. Milk, cottage cheese)
- Practice exercises
- Have smaller meals
- Try OTC laxatives in case of constipation
- Control stress and anxiety by practicing relaxation techniques
- Bloating and abdominal distension do not reduce after a week or worsen
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Swelling in your legs, itchy skin, yellow discoloration in the skin and eyes
- Weight loss or loss of appetite
See a doctor immediately if you notice:
- Repeated vomiting or vomiting with blood
- Black stools
- Trouble swallowing that gets progressively worse
- Shortness of breath, sweating or chest pain radiating to the jaw, neck or arm
- Chest pain on exertion or with stress
Treatment
Effects
Quotes
- So, what is a distended stomach? A distended stomach refers to a swelling of the abdomen itself. The symptoms of nausea, discomfort, and pain are among the signs of this condition, with bloating being first noticed with snug-fitting clothes. The causes of a distended stomach can vary from mild digestive issues to more serious health conditions such as bowel obstruction and can…
Side effects
- To treat a distended stomach condition, it is important to know why it is happening in the first place. Internal and external factors contribute to distended stomach causes. Many times, a distended stomach may be able to be treated with home remedies, and some cases do not need any treatment other than time. We have compiled a list for distended stomach treatment based …
Clinical significance
- Bloating, gas, and stomach distention are common effects of digestive issues. The conditions of gastrointestinal disorders of celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis are directly related to the distention.
Prevention
- Sometimes the food we love does not love us back as it can cause stomach distention as well as gas and discomfort. Being sensitive to foods can go hand-in-hand with food allergies. Categories under these issues include dairy products, nuts, shellfish, and bread products.
Risks
- Hormone changes during the menstrual cycle can cause bloating of the lower stomach, fluid retention, and constipation. Severe stomach distention is a cause for concern when accompanied by strong pains from cramping, an irregular cycle, or fibroids.
Diagnosis
- A distended stomach from cancer is uncommon but can signal uterine or colon cancer. These may be present when the bloating does not subside, and digestion problems increase.
Overview
- You can prevent stomach distention from gas can by avoiding beans, cabbage, and broccoli, as well as other foods that cause you to have gas and bloating. One such culprit is carbonated drinks such as soda.
Resources
- That delicious dish of ice cream you could not decline may be the cause of gas buildup and stomach distention. Limit or avoid dairy products, especially if you think you may be lactose-intolerant.