Sharda Sinha Death: What is multiple myeloma? The blood cancer that took singer¡¯s life after a 7-year battle

Padma Bhushan awardee folk singer Sharda Sinha left for her heavenly abode on November 5, 2024, after her seven-year-long battle with multiple myeloma. The singer was diagnosed with this rare blood cancer type in 2017 and didn¡¯t speak about it in public for the longest time. Her cancer triggered septicemia during her recent hospitalization and Bihar Kokila unfortunately lost her breath due to refractory shock during treatment.

Here¡¯s a detailed look at everything you need to know about multiple myeloma!

What is multiple myeloma?

As per Mayo Clinic, Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that originates in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in bone marrow. Plasma cells play a role in the immune system by producing antibodies to fight infections. However, in multiple myeloma, these cells become cancerous and multiply uncontrollably, crowding out normal blood cells.

North Houston Cancer Clinics

This disrupts the body¡¯s ability to produce healthy blood cells and leads to the production of abnormal antibodies called monoclonal or M proteins, which can cause significant complications in organs such as the kidneys and bones. Multiple myeloma is a complex disease, and advances in treatment have improved patient outcomes. However, it remains a serious, lifelong condition requiring regular monitoring and care to manage symptoms and side effects effectively.

What are the symptoms of multiple myeloma?

Early symptoms of multiple myeloma can be subtle or absent which often makes the diagnosis challenging. However, as the disease progresses, common symptoms include bone pain often in the spine, hips, or ribs due to weakness, frequent fractures due to bone damage, fatigue and anaemia caused by a reduction in healthy red blood cells, increased risk of infections as the immune system weakens, kidney issues and confusion or high calcium levels due to bone breakdown.

Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation

What is the diagnosis of multiple myeloma?

Diagnosis of this disease involves a range of tests, including blood tests to detect abnormal antibodies, urine tests for Bence Jones proteins, imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs for bone damage, and a bone marrow biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous plasma cells. Specialized tests can also measure the extent of disease progression as per information available on the American Cancer Society¡¯s portal.

What is the treatment of multiple myeloma?

The treatment approach for multiple myeloma often combines several therapies:-

- Targeted therapy: Drugs like proteasome inhibitors specifically target cancer cells.

- Immunotherapy: Medications that enhance the immune system¡¯s ability to attack myeloma cells.

- Chemotherapy: Destroys cancer cells but can also affect healthy cells.

- Stem cell transplant: Replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy cells after intensive chemotherapy.

- Radiation therapy: Used to target and shrink tumours in specific areas of the body

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What are the precautions and management of multiple myeloma?

As per Mayo Clinic, people diagnosed with multiple myeloma should focus on managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life. Staying hydrated, monitoring calcium levels, and maintaining bone health through supplements or medications can be beneficial. Preventing infections is also crucial; patients are advised to avoid exposure to infectious diseases and follow a balanced diet to support overall health.

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