Risk Factors
The exact cause of multiple myeloma is unknown, but there are certain factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing the disease. Here are some of the risk factors for multiple myeloma:
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Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS)
MGUS is a condition in which a person has many copies of the same abnormal antibody, but not necessarily multiple myeloma. In MGUS, the abnormal antibodies do not form a tumor or cause any other symptoms or complications of multiple myeloma. This condition can remain stable and never turn into multiple myeloma. However, in some cases MGUS may eventually turn into multiple myeloma, and therefore increases a person’s risk for the disease.
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Smoldering Multiple Myeloma
Patients with smoldering multiple myeloma have a higher level of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow than patients with MGUS and their risk of transformation to multiple myeloma is also slightly higher. Some patients with smoldering multiple myeloma have high risk disease with a high probability of transformation to active multiple myeloma. A discussion with your doctor nay be indicated in this specific clinical scenario. There are no approved treatments for smoldering multiple myeloma. Close observation with monitoring of blood and urine paraproteins is recommended for these patients.
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Solitary Plasmacytoma
A solitary plasmacytoma is a condition in which malignant myeloma cells form only one tumor in the body. People with this condition are at an increased risk for developing multiple myeloma. In multiple myeloma, the patient has multiple tumors of malignant plasma cells throughout the body. Patients with solitary plasmacytoma usually have normal bone marrow.
Age
Multiple Myeloma is a disease of aging adults. The medium age at diagnosis is about 70 years of age.
Race
African-Americans are at a higher risk for developing multiple myeloma than are Caucasians.
Gender
Men have a slightly higher risk of developing multiple myeloma than women.
Family History
Having a family member with multiple myeloma slightly increases a person’s risk for developing the disease.
Exposure
Exposure to certain harsh chemicals or radiation may increase a person’s risk for developing multiple myeloma.
Obesity
Being obese (extremely overweight) may increase a person’s risk for developing multiple myeloma.
