Treatment for Plasma Cell Disorders and Myeloma in NJ, CT, and MD
Plasma cell disorders are cancerous conditions that affect the production of B-cells. B-cells are a type of white blood cell essential for preventing infections from spreading throughout the body. To fight infections, some B-cells must turn into plasma cells. However, when a patient has a plasma cell disorder, their plasma cells start to become abnormal, creating tumors in the soft tissues or bones. One of the most common types of plasma disorders is multiple myeloma.
Regional Cancer Care Associates provides cutting-edge, compassionate care for people with plasma cell disorders and myeloma at more than 20 locations across New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, DC area. With the expertise, experience, and resources needed to treat plasma cell disorders, including multiple myeloma, patients can rely on our experienced medical team to receive comprehensive care.
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What Is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a kind of plasma cell disorder that can cause tumors to develop in the bone marrow and bones. Bone marrow is responsible for creating plasma cells, which fight off infections by forming antibodies. Multiple myeloma can cause irregularities in the genetic makeup of plasma cells, which leads to their overproduction. Plasma cells also emit a substance called M-protein. Those with multiple myeloma cannot process this protein properly, causing it to collect in the bone marrow. This can lead to thickening of the blood or damaged kidneys.
When a patient has multiple myeloma, the resulting tumors prevent the bone marrow from producing essential blood elements, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In turn, this can lead to additional medical issues.
Plasma Cell Disorder and Multiple Myeloma Symptoms
Symptoms of multiple myeloma and other plasma disorders often vary from patient to patient, depending on the severity and location of the tumor. In some cases, patients may not experience any symptoms. However, many patients may have signs of the disease, including:
- Fatigue
- Bone pain, including in the ribs or back
- Leg or arm weakness
- Easily broken bones
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Frequent bruising or bleeding
- Recurring infections
- Appetite loss
- Weight loss
As the disease worsens, it can lead to other health issues, such as hypercalcemia or amyloidosis. If the plasma cell disorder causes other conditions to arise, patients may experience more severe symptoms, such as:
- Confusion
- Restlessness
- Vomiting or nausea
- Muscle weakness
- Frequent thirst
- Constipation
- Frequent urination
- Unusual purple spots on the skin
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
- Enlarged tongue
- Swelling
- Diarrhea
Diagnosing Plasma Cell Disorders
After obtaining a thorough history and conducting a comprehensive physical examination, physicians may order imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Plasma cell disorders and multiple myeloma are categorized into stages: Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III. To determine the stage, physicians can conduct further tests, including:
- Blood and urine tests
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Complete blood count (CBC)
Plasma Cell Disorder Treatment at Regional Cancer Care Associates
Regional Cancer Care Associates can treat and control the effects of many plasma cell disorders, including multiple myeloma. Treatment options include:
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Stem cell transplant
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
Patients can receive cutting-edge care from RCCA specialists at one of several locations in NJ, CT, MD, and the Washington D.C. area. To learn more, contact Regional Cancer Care Associates today.
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Schedule an Appointment at Regional Cancer Care Associates
If you need near-term or ongoing care for anemia or another benign blood disorder, schedule an appointment at Regional Cancer Care Associates. Patients have access to a full range of services acrossNew Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, DC area, making it easy to find a location convenient for you. Contact us today to learn more about our benign hematology services.
Regional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.