• Published on: Sep 27, 2021
  • 10 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Multiple Myeloma Cause, Prevention, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment.

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What is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that causes the abnormal growth of plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell, and they work to produce antibodies that fight infections. In multiple myeloma there is an overproduction of one antibody called M-protein. This leads to damage in the bone marrow, where red and white blood cells are made, as well as reducing normal immune protection from these cells going up against infections. Anemia (low levels iron) may also develop because once red blood cells die off at a high rate following exposure to M-protein their numbers will be depleted significantly which reduces hemoglobin synthesis - a vital process for transporting oxygen round our body and making our heart pump effectively.

Multiple myeloma is an incurable disease that damages plasma cells in the bone marrow. The immune system's B-cells create antibodies to combat infections, for which they are sponged up by rogue plasma cells when their work is completed. Plasma cell production causes myeloma risk by activating the stem cells found in the bone marrow so that erythropoietin is created in excess, leading to the overproduction of red blood cells, chronic nausea and vomiting, generalized weakness, easy bruising or bleeding from little cuts or IV lines etc. The rates of multiple myelomas have skyrocketed since 1990 because it has become less prevalent with good hygiene standards following World War II with people who lived through it dying off.

Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Multiple myeloma causes an increase in proteins produced by malignant white blood cells that are too large to be removed by normal filtering mechanisms in the kidneys, which leads to the accumulation of high levels of these proteins in your blood. As this process continues, your body becomes "immune"-proof to exchange transfusions, making all future attempts futile -- that's when you need to consider harvest therapy.

Multiple myeloma is a condition in which there are increases of plasma cells in the bone marrow. This causes an increase in waste products that accumulate within the cell, and with lots of free floating antibody proteins, it's like your body starts to fight against itself. There are two types of multiple myeloma (regular and monoclonal). Monoclonal plasma cells will often end up clumping together in different parts of the bone. Regular plasmacytic myeloma arises when free-floating plasma cells invade into the protective layer around nerves or between layers separating compartments (such as next to muscle compartments), then invades into neighboring compartments, not to mention other soft tissues such as gut lining.

Multiple myeloma is cancer in which malignant cells form in the body's bone marrow and gradually accumulate into large numbers in the blood and/or bone marrow. It is caused by excessive production of immature red blood cells (i.e. increased erythropoiesis) that are unable to carry oxygen, due to an abnormal hematopoietic cell or genetic mutation called Myeloma protein. The cancerous cells invade and old up normal healthy tissue often leading to blockage of tiny veins and arteries within the bones and cause pain (often referred to as BONE-PAIN). Multiple myeloma can also affect organ soft tissues including liver, heart, stomach, spleen etc., provoking many.

Multiple myeloma often progresses to an aggressive stage after many years, but it isn't classified as a cancer. It is classified as one of seven plasma cell dyscrasias. A plasma cell dyscrasia occurs when too many or too few plasma cells are produced to fight infections or make antibodies. As this disorder progresses, the excessive number of abnormal (myeloma) cells may decrease blood platelets and cause bone disease (osteolytic lesions), kidney problems, fatigue, pain, clots in the vein (thrombosis), high calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia), mounting production of urine that contains protein (proteinuria), and changes in liver.

The myeloma cells prevent the normal division of blood cell production. Myeloma cells are a type of cancer that stops any healthy division of blood cells. Myeloma cells also produce free radicals, which can damage other parts of the body's organ system and lead to a variety of health problems including heart disease, anemia and arthritis.

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow causing them to grow unchecked. This cancer can't be cured with chemotherapy, but it's reversible with radiation therapy. Other treatments are needed as well, but our goal is remission or reduction of symptoms so patients can go back to all their normal daily activities. Standard treatment consists of multiple myeloma (chemotherapy), high-dose chemo (given only one time every three weeks) called ONPU, and stem cell transplantation including intensive chemotherapy and radiation therapy to change the blood-producing cells in the body.

Multiple Myeloma is a cancer that starts in the bone marrow cells. The abnormal cells typically produce too many frighteningly mature white blood cells. And these excess white blood cells keep on developing into plasma cell cancers, producing an overabundance of abnormal protein, which then spreads to other parts of the body. The lack of healthy blood cells combined with the high levels of circulating antibodies can weaken your immune system and make you prone to infections or bleeding.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow that eventually spreads into either the fluid around the lungs, abdomen and an space near to lymph nodes. Multiple myeloma generates blood products such as abnormal antibodies and increases your risk of infection, which increases your body's need for oxygen. Multiple myeloma can cause kidney failure or heart problems. You may have to take medications up to every hour to treat symptoms such as pain or nausea due to complications from treatment. Below are things that you should do if you suspect that you may have multiple myeloma: Keep a positive attitude- it might sound cliché, but it really does keep you going while going through life with multiple myeloma

Diabetes mellitus, chemotherapy treatments, long-term use of aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs, family history of the disease. Multiple myeloma is caused by a type of cancer involving malignant bone marrow plasma cells. These are abnormal white blood cells that can produce antibodies during an immune response to an infection or foreign substance in the body. But in multiple myeloma, these abnormal plasma cells proliferate without responding to any stimulus and they continue dividing unchecked while producing an excess number of proteins called monoclonal immunoglobulin K (IgK).  The leading causes of multiple myeloma are not entirely clear, but it seems to be an autoimmune disease caused by thyroglobulin-specific antibodies attaching to the cells in the bone marrow. It is also possible that infectious organisms may trigger conditions that lead to symptoms of multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma is not one specific disease but rather a group of diseases with similar symptoms, which can cause symptoms ranging from weight loss and generalized symptoms like fever or night sweats to painless swelling in the upper arm because the condition results in abnormal growths called "lymphoplasmacytic lymph nodes" or other symptoms like unexplained weakness or bruising. There are no effective treatments for multiple myeloma except surgery to remove

The leading cause of multiple myeloma is exposure to a substance called benzene through occupational exposure. Benzene is a high-volume chemical used in a range of industries, including the textile industry and rubber manufacturing. Benzene was found in many municipal water systems from its use as a solvent for gasoline. Occupational exposure can also come from air inhalation or absorption through the skin, but dietary exposure - which occurs by consuming benzene residues that have been absorbed into vegetation or other food sources - is not generally considered significant for adults because it's assumed to be at very low amounts and does not easily cross cell membranes.

The two main subtypes of multiple myeloma are based on the type of plasma cells that cause the tumor. The most common subtype is called "smoldering myeloma" and these tumors grow more slowly than others. Schchoid or plaque-sort multiple myelomas are less common, but they usually require a higher dose of chemotherapy to help control them because they tend to diffuse rapidly throughout the body and can quickly become life-threatening. Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer in which plasma cells continuously produce large amounts of abnormal proteins (called light chains) that collect as deposits in bones or other places inside the body, such as bone marrow, liver, kidneys or spleen.

The leading cause of multiple myeloma is a condition called "monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance" (MGUS). Another risk factor for myelomas involves age - as people live longer, they’re more likely to develop the tumor as well. This is because with aging, plasma cells in marrow become less able to detect and destroy malignant cells that may have developed there. Why this protective function becomes weaker over time is not known.

It's also been found that people who live near a nuclear facility or suffer from ionizing radiation are at higher risk for developing myeloma if they have MGUS.  The main leading causes of multiple myeloma are age, genetics or family history, and high blood calcium or high intake of dairy foods.

Recurring bouts of excessive production in the immune system can be caused by an infection in the past, by old age but there is also a genetic component. Other contributing factors to myeloma are certain viruses which seem to be associated with this kind of cancer - Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) for example. EBNA1 - the virus's genetic material appears in 20% to 95% percent cases of multiple myeloma worldwide.

While the exact cause of multiple myeloma is not yet defined, patients who have a history of MDS are more likely to get PMMM. Before the actual cancer occurs, there is an increase in plasma cells which leads to normal protein being filtered out too quickly by certain organs. This can lead to malignancy if this rate continues for long periods of time, meaning that the malignant cells cannot be destroyed fast enough by effete white cells. This buildup could also result from an autoimmune response where antibodies attack specific proteins within the body's major organs or tissues - basically attacking one's self may cause cancerous growths in different areas of your body.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that affects the body's white blood cells, or "lymphocytes". It causes those cells to produce abnormal proteins called monoclonal gammopathies that cause inflammation and can damage organs. So, as far as causes go, there are three different pathways the cancer might take: Bcl-2 oncoproteins, mutated NMP (N-myc myopathy), and dysregulation of Ki-67. These do not need to be inherited; only one person in ten ever has an identified predisposition.

The most recognized risk factors for multiple myeloma can be classified into 5 categories, including

(1) family history of the disease

(2) environmental exposures like tobacco smoke and radiation

(3) immunologic susceptibility to myeloma proteins coded on tumor suppressor genes RET and CDKN2A which regulates control of cell division.

Information to include in the answer: The condition is a cancer of plasma cells in bone marrow, usually affecting only one side of the body. -Symptoms may include unusual tiredness, weakness or low red blood cell count.

  • Latest research supports that diet may play a role in diabetes or insulin resistance by causing inflammation that provokes an incurable cancer called Multiple Myelomas from mutations.

This is a difficult question to answer, but in general, increased exposure to radiation increases the likelihood of developing this disease. It depends on the type. Multi-myeloma can sometimes be cured if it is caught early enough. If it is not, the treatments are palliative to manage symptoms rather than cure or destroy cancer cells.

  • Following diagnosis, curing usually refers to complete removal of all myeloma cells from the blood and bone marrow; this will result in a temporary remission that usually lasts for over six months
  • Palliative therapy refers only to reducing symptoms during an established myeloma disease state
  • There is no way of distinguishing between cured and palliated cases at any point in timeUltimately, there is no certainty as to whether or not patients would be considered "cured." A trial comparing

It's not known if it is currently curable, but there are treatments that may be able to help.

Intravenous immunoglobulin can stop or slow the advancement of myeloma progression in some people for a limited time, but it doesn't cure the disease. Radiotherapy is often used to control bone marrow cancer cells and relieve pain, but does not reduce the amount of cancer cells in the body. It also has disadvantages such as causing peripheral neuropathy (irritated nerves), lymphedema (swelling of lymph vessels), and other side effects. And finally chemotherapy can sometimes be used to counteract any remaining cancer cells left after surgery or radiotherapy.

Multiple myeloma is a condition in which malignant cells form in the bone marrow. These cells make up 20% or more of the blood's plasma cells, which are responsible for white blood cell production. Multiple myeloma has the potential to be an incurable cancer because it often moves to other parts of the body before showing any symptoms, especially if it develops into "debulking" multiple myeloma where it collects in another part of your skeleton. Although clinicians can currently offer many treatments designed to slow down progression and suppress symptoms, no magic bullet cure exists that eliminates all signs of life at once. That being said, early diagnosis does promise many beneficial clinical interventions such as autologous stem.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that begins in the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell, and can be treated with surgery if found early enough. It cannot be cured yet by any means but could possibly be cured with future treatments. Most people diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma have a good prognosis and live at least 5 years past the diagnosis date. However, many develop relapses as time goes on which decreases life expectancy from 10 years to 4 years after treatment starts."

In other words- it's not curable yet but there are ways to help prevent it from becoming worse as well as managing symptoms later on.

Multiple myeloma is a curable cancer as long as it's diagnosed early. Multiple myeloma can be treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy and targeted therapies, which have been shown to have the ability to induce remissions that last for many years. In some cases remission will occur naturally after treatment with a single agent, but in most cases it is necessary to combine several treatments simultaneously. This aggressive combination of different treatments usually becomes necessary when less aggressive regimens fail or if the initial prognosis from imaging tests was unfavorable.

Multiple myeloma is not curable, but it is treatable. Cure means the complete elimination of all cancer cells from your body for a certain period of time afterwards. A treatment can cure you, but they have to go into remission first. Continuous treatment might be given in case that they come back or return faster than before if there's been multiple rounds of the same chemo drug therapy where a mutation occurred in a myeloma cell and they became resistant to therapy so most cancers cannot be cured so patients have to have chemo all their life for most people with myeloma multiples treatments last 2-4 years depending on if this person responds to treatment.

There is no cure for multiple myeloma, but with a very good treatment plan doctors have a high success rate of combating the cancer with remission or at least stable disease. Multiple myeloma progresses in stages from diagnosis to end-stage bone marrow failure. "Risk factor adjustments" can help predict which patients will develop end-stage bone marrow failure and those with relapse as time goes on. Most patients who enjoy long remissions or short remissions usually go into remission without needing therapy changes, but some need therapy changes if their blood cell count isn't considered healthy enough to be taken off from chemotherapy drugs after six months from diagnosis.

The treatments available to manage the symptoms of multiple myeloma are "temporary" in that they do not cure the disease, but rather help relieve it for some time period. With proper treatment methods, people with the condition can live 6 years or even more after diagnosis! Things get better when their blood test becomes free of cancer cells for 6 continuous months.

It's worth remembering that every single person is different  

I can't say that it is, but there are many treatments to help with the symptoms. Multiple myeloma is not curable. It's actually a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow called monoclonal gammopathy which causes an overproduction of antibodies. Usually one type helps fight infection and another Type - these two types work together to attack germs or cancer cells or whatever else might be invading your system. But what starts out as good bacteria turns "bad" when it multiplies too rapidly and spreads throughout your body without regulation, attacking healthy things like your bones and immune system.

Multiple myeloma is not curable, but with proper treatment, patients can live for many years.

A patient's prognosis largely depends on where the tumor is located, whether or not it has spread to other organs or bones and how quickly the cancer cells are dividing. The average survival time for people who have multiple myeloma (an abnormal increase in white blood cells) is three to five years. Multiple myeloma is also known as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).  The malignant plasma cells generate antibody proteins called paraproteins that stick together into aggregates that block urine flow. 

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Virtual Cooking Class with a Dietitian: Why It’s a Powerful Corporate Wellness Benefit

Virtual Cooking Class with a Dietitian: Why It’s a Powerful Corporate Wellness Benefit

Corporate wellness programs in India are undergoing a meaningful transformation. What once revolved primarily around annual health checkups and gym memberships is now shifting toward sustainable lifestyle-based interventions. Among these, the virtual cooking class with a dietitian has emerged as one of the most practical and high-impact wellness initiatives for modern workplaces.

Poor dietary habits are a leading contributor to lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and heart disease. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), a significant proportion of India’s working population consumes excess refined carbohydrates, sugar, and unhealthy fats, while falling short on protein, fibre, and essential micronutrients.

For corporate wellness initiatives to create lasting impact, they must move beyond awareness and actively support behaviour change. Dietitian-led virtual cooking classes address this gap by turning nutritional knowledge into daily practice.

 

Why Nutrition Is a Critical Corporate Wellness Priority

1. Rising lifestyle disease burden among employees

ICMR data highlights the growing health challenge within India’s workforce:

  • Over 100 million Indians live with diabetes

  • Nearly one in four adults has hypertension

  • Obesity rates are rising even among younger professionals
     

These conditions directly affect productivity, absenteeism, insurance claims, and long-term healthcare costs.

2. Desk-bound and remote work culture

Sedentary routines, irregular meal timings, and reliance on processed or convenience foods have become common in corporate environments, especially with hybrid and remote work models.

3. Knowledge does not translate into action

Many employees are aware of what constitutes healthy eating but struggle to apply this knowledge in everyday cooking. Virtual cooking classes bridge this gap by offering hands-on, real-world guidance.

 

What Is a Virtual Cooking Class with a Dietitian?

A virtual cooking class with a dietitian is an interactive online session led by a qualified nutrition professional who:

  • Demonstrates healthy, practical recipes

  • Explains ingredient choices and substitutions

  • Teaches portion control and meal balance

  • Addresses common dietary myths

  • Answers real-time participant questions
     

Unlike generic cooking shows or wellness webinars, these sessions are evidence-based and aligned with preventive health goals. They are designed specifically for corporate audiences, ensuring simplicity, cultural relevance, and scalability.

 

Why Virtual Cooking Classes Work Better Than Traditional Nutrition Talks

1. Practical skill-building

Employees learn how to:

  • Plan balanced meals

  • Cook quick, healthy dishes

  • Reduce excess sugar, salt, and oil

  • Read food labels with confidence
     

Skill-based learning leads to stronger habit formation than passive education.

2. Higher engagement and participation

Interactive cooking sessions are:

  • More engaging than lecture-style talks

  • Suitable for virtual and hybrid teams

  • Inclusive across age groups and roles
     

Participants actively cook, ask questions, and engage rather than passively listening.

3. Cultural relevance

Dietitians tailor recipes to Indian food habits, regional preferences, and household realities, making healthy eating feel practical and sustainable rather than restrictive.

 

Key Benefits for Employees

Improved daily nutrition

Employees gain confidence in preparing balanced, nourishing meals at home.

Better energy and focus

Stable blood sugar levels and improved nutrient intake support sustained energy and mental clarity during work hours.

Reduced lifestyle disease risk

WHO and Lancet research confirms that dietary improvements significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Stress reduction

Cooking itself can be therapeutic, contributing positively to mental wellbeing.

Family-wide impact

Healthy habits learned by employees often influence household food choices, extending benefits beyond the workplace.

 

Why Employers Benefit from Virtual Cooking Classes

1. Reduced absenteeism

Healthier employees tend to experience fewer illness-related absences.

2. Improved productivity

Better nutrition supports cognitive performance, stamina, and focus.

3. Lower long-term healthcare costs

Preventive nutrition initiatives reduce the burden of chronic disease-related claims.

4. Stronger wellness culture

Interactive and practical programs demonstrate genuine employer commitment to employee wellbeing.

5. High return on investment

Compared to large-scale medical interventions, virtual cooking classes are cost-effective, scalable, and easy to implement.

EY–FICCI corporate wellness reports consistently show that nutrition-focused preventive programs deliver higher engagement and long-term impact.

 

Topics Commonly Covered in Corporate Cooking Classes

  • Balanced Indian meals
    Focus on protein, fibre, and micronutrient adequacy

  • Quick workday recipes
    Healthy meals prepared in under 30 minutes

  • Disease-preventive diets
    Heart-healthy, diabetes-friendly, and weight-conscious cooking

  • Smart ingredient swaps
    Replacing refined grains, excess oil, and added sugar

  • Portion control techniques
    Understanding serving sizes without calorie obsession

  • Reading food labels
    Identifying hidden sugar, sodium, and trans fats

     

 

How Virtual Cooking Classes Support Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare focuses on addressing risk factors before disease develops, and nutrition plays a central role in this approach.

According to WHO and NITI Aayog:

  • Dietary modification is among the most cost-effective preventive strategies

  • Workplace interventions significantly influence adult eating habits
     

Virtual cooking classes help:

  • Reinforce preventive screening insights

  • Support chronic disease management

  • Improve adherence to dietitian recommendations
     

 

Role of AI-Guided Insights in Corporate Nutrition Programs

Modern wellness programs increasingly use data-driven tools to strengthen impact. AI-enabled health insights can:

  • Identify common nutritional gaps across employee populations

  • Personalise dietary recommendations

  • Support dietitians with evidence-based insights

  • Track long-term wellness outcomes
     

This ensures cooking sessions are aligned with real employee health needs rather than generic advice.

 

Why Virtual Delivery Works Best for Corporates

  • Easy scalability across multiple locations

  • No physical infrastructure required

  • Ideal for remote and hybrid teams

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Consistent quality delivery
     

Virtual formats ensure uniform wellness experiences regardless of employee location.

 

Long-Term Impact on Corporate Wellness

Organisations that consistently implement nutrition-focused wellness initiatives observe:

  • Higher employee engagement

  • Improved biometric health indicators

  • Reduced burnout

  • Stronger employer branding
     

Lancet workplace health studies indicate that nutrition-based interventions show measurable benefits within 6–12 months.

 

Conclusion

A virtual cooking class with a dietitian is more than a wellness activity—it is a powerful preventive health intervention. By equipping employees with practical nutrition skills, these sessions drive meaningful behaviour change, reduce lifestyle disease risk, and support long-term wellbeing. For organisations seeking impactful, scalable, and evidence-based corporate wellness solutions, dietitian-led virtual cooking classes represent a forward-thinking investment in workforce health.

 

References

  • ICMR – Dietary Patterns and Lifestyle Disease Prevention Reports

  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Nutrition and Metabolic Health Data

  • NITI Aayog – Workplace Wellness and Preventive Healthcare Reports

  • WHO – Diet, Nutrition and Chronic Disease Prevention Guidelines

  • Lancet – Workplace Nutrition Interventions and Health Outcomes

  • EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Productivity Studies

  • Statista – Corporate Wellness Program Trends in India

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