Multiple Myeloma Specialist
Wellness Oncology & Hematology
Oncologists & Hematologists located in West Hills, CA & Tarzana, CA
Every year, an estimated 32,110 American adults are diagnosed with multiple myeloma, the second most common type of blood cancer in the United States. At the West Hills and Tarzana, California, offices of Wellness Oncology & Hematology, the experienced team of hematologists and oncologists offer on-site diagnostic testing and comprehensive treatment of multiple myeloma. Customized treatment plans and concierge-style care focus on reducing symptom severity and slowing down the progression of your disease. If you have signs of multiple myeloma or have already been diagnosed, schedule a consultation at Wellness Oncology & Hematology online or by phone today.
Multiple Myeloma Q & A
What is multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that affects the plasma cells of your body. Healthy plasma cells are found in your bone marrow and reproduce as mirror images of their parent cells and produce antibodies to fight against inflammation in your body.
When these plasma cells become cancerous and start growing out of control, they can spread to other areas of your body. Cancerous plasma cells can also push out normal blood cells, causing low blood counts that trigger other underlying health issues like anemia.
The cause of multiple myeloma isn’t well understood, but the condition starts with just one abnormal plasma cell that multiplies quickly. Your risk of multiple myeloma increases as you age or if you have a family history of the disease.
What are the symptoms of multiple myeloma?
In the earliest stages of multiple myeloma, you might not experience any symptoms. However, as cells continue to grow you can develop symptoms like:
- Bone pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Mental confusion
- Frequent infections
- Weakness or numbness in legs
Multiple myeloma can also lead to unexplained weight loss and changes in your appetite. Many people also experience persistent nausea or constipation.
How is multiple myeloma diagnosed?
The Wellness Oncology & Hematology medical team offer the latest diagnostic testing to confirm or rule out multiple myeloma as the root cause of your symptoms.
In many cases, your Wellness Oncology & Hematology provider can detect cancerous cells through on-site blood work. You might also need a biopsy of your bone marrow.
Your blood and bone marrow are analyzed in a lab and your Wellness Oncology & Hematology physician will classify the stage of your cancer at the time of testing. Stage 1 multiple myeloma describes the early stages of the disease, while a stage 3 diagnosis indicates the disease is aggressively spreading to your organs and/or bones.
How is multiple myeloma treated?
Your Wellness Oncology & Hematology doctor creates a treatment plan based on the progression of your multiple myeloma. In the earliest stages, treatment focuses on keeping you pain-free and slowing the progress of abnormal cell growth.
In later stages of multiple myeloma, you’ll need medications from the on-site pharmacy that cause myeloma cells to die off. Your doctor could also recommend chemotherapy, radiation, or a bone marrow transplant to prevent life-threatening complications and premature death.
Call Wellness Oncology & Hematology today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation or book a consultation online to learn more about your options for treating multiple myeloma.
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