How to Identify the Red Flags Symptoms of Blood Cancer?

A Charity, Myeloma UK has warned that about 851 people are living with undiagnosed myeloma as a result of a decrease in diagnoses during the covid-19 pandemic.

The condition, which is sometimes called multiple myeloma, is a type of blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow, and spreads to affect the spine, skull, pelvis, and ribs. Every year, an approximate 5,700 people are diagnosed with myeloma in the UK. Also, it is estimated that about 24,000 people in the UK are living with myeloma.

Multiple myeloma begins as a result of the DNA being damaged during the development of a plasma cell. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cells which are formed in the bone marrow and are an essential part of the body’s immune system. When the DNA is damaged, abnormal plasma cells are formed which will multiple and spread within the marrow of the bone.

Areas in an adult’s body commonly affected by this cancer are where there is bone marrow activity including the bones of the spine, skull, pelvis, rib cage, arms, legs, as well as around the shoulders and hips.

During the initial stages, you may not notice any symptoms. However, myeloma can be detected after a routine blood or urine test.

An estimated 851 persons are to be living undiagnosed with this condition according to Myeloma UK, figures have shown that the condition affects men more than women (58%) while an overwhelming majority of people diagnosed with myeloma (73%) are adults above the age of 64.

This is what Sophie Castell, the charity’s chief executive has to say; “The most important thing people can do is rule themselves out by checking their symptoms and, if anything isn’t right, go see their GP. It might take more than one appointment for your doctor to put the pieces of the puzzle together so please keep pushing or ask for a second opinion.”

Below are some of the symptoms commonly known as red flags of myeloma;

• Spinal cord compression and bone fractures

• Unexplained fatigue, weakness and breathlessness

• Pains particularly around your hips, ribs and back

• Frequent infections that last for a long time

• Frequent urination or little to no urination at all

• Swelling of the legs or abdomen

• Sudden and unexplained loss of weight

• Loss of sensation in the feet, hands or legs

• Frequent bleeding gums, nose bleeding and heavy menstruation

How is Myeloma Treated?

Although, the condition cannot be totally cured but some treatments can help to reduce symptoms and make the individual’s quality of life better.

The NHS lists the following as some treatment measures that can be done to control the condition;

• Chemotherapy – a procedure to kill the myeloma cells

• Administering steroids – which helps make chemotherapy more effective and assists in destroying myeloma cells

• Drugs that can help kill the cancer cells

• Injections

• Stem cell transplant

Have you or your loved one suffered from cancer misdiagnosis which has caused you unnecessary pain, complication and injury, you may have enough grounds to make cancer misdiagnosis claims. You may be entitled to a deserving compensation amount after a successful claim.

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