Multiple Myeloma Treatment Cost in Turkey

Multiple myeloma is cancer that affects plasma cells, which are white blood cells. When B-type lymphocytes react to an infection, they mature and transform into plasma cells. These plasma cells aid in infection resistance by producing antibodies that recognize and attack invading microbes. When a plasma cell becomes cancerous, it produces an abnormal protein known by a variety of names, including monoclonal immunoglobulin, monoclonal protein, spike, or para protein. There are several options for Multiple Myeloma Treatment in Turkey, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, target drug therapy, and stem cell transplant. 

When compared to countries such as the United States, Africa, and Australia, the Cost of Multiple Myeloma Treatment in Turkey is reasonable. Patients seeking treatment for multiple myeloma in Turkey hospitals are provided with affordable healthcare packages and high-quality equipment or machinery as well as the assurance of excellent treatment quality and world-class doctors.

What Is Multiple Myeloma or MM?

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a rare bone marrow tumor that affects millions of people worldwide. If left untreated, it can lead to bone, kidney, and blood count problems, as well as infections. Myeloma typically affects people in their 60s and 70s, with men being more commonly affected.

Myeloma consist of two main sub-types:

• Hyperdiploid (HMM) are usually less aggressive.

• Non-hyperdiploid or hypodiploid are more aggressive.

Some people have no symptoms, but tests show they have conditions that could lead to multiple myeloma.

A bone marrow aspiration or bone marrow biopsy, for example, may reveal abnormal plasma cells and genetic mutations, indicating that you have smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), an early, precancerous form of multiple myeloma. Similarly, blood and urine tests may reveal proteins produced by abnormal plasma cells. This is a condition known as monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS).

There is no known cure for multiple myeloma. Healthcare providers provide treatments to help people live as long as possible while maintaining their quality of life. However, there is a chance of prolonged remission. Remission is a period of time following treatment when you have no signs or symptoms of multiple myeloma.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma?

For some people with early stages, myeloma may not cause or show any symptoms. This can be discovered by doing a urine test or a blood test. It’s important, to begin with, whether the patient is experiencing any symptoms. Patients are classified with newly diagnosed myeloma as either:

• Asymptomatic- A person who does not have any symptoms or signs of the disease.
• Symptomatic- A person having symptoms and signs of the disease

Myeloma will cause a wide range of problems, such as:

• Persistent bone pain, it’s usually in the back, ribs, or hips
• tiredness, weakness, and shortness of breath
• high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) – which may cause symptoms including extreme thirst, stomach pain, needing to pee frequently, constipation, or confusion
• weight loss
• blurred vision, dizziness, or headaches
• repeated infections
• bruising and unusual bleeding
• weak bones that break or fracture easily
• kidney problems
• Myeloma damages the bones and affects the production of new healthy blood cells.

What Are the Causes of Multiple Myeloma?

Most cases of multiple myeloma are still unknown as to how or what causes them. However, it is believed that in the majority of cases, it is caused by DNA defects that turn on cancer-causing cells called oncogenes or turn off tumor suppressor genes. In recent years, researchers have discovered that abnormalities in certain oncogenes, such as MYC, appear early in the progression of plasma cell tumors. Researchers and doctors are uncertain what causes multiple myeloma. Among the potential causes they are investigating are:

Genetic mutations: Researchers are looking into the relationship between mutating or changing oncogenes (cells that promote growth) and multiple myeloma. They’ve also discovered that most people with multiple myeloma don’t have all of the pieces of a particular chromosome.

Environmental factors: Some research suggests a link between multiple myeloma and exposure to radiation or chemicals found in pesticides, and fertilizer.

Having an inflammatory disease or condition: Heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis are examples of inflammatory diseases.

Having obesity: This is having high levels of body fat.

How is Multiple Myeloma Diagnosed?

Several tests are used for diagnosing multiple myeloma or MM. However, not all of the tests described here are appropriate for every individual. When selecting a diagnostic test for you, your doctor or healthcare team may take the following factors into account:

• Type of cancer suspected

• Signs and symptoms

• Age and general health

• The results of earlier medical tests

The following tests can be used to diagnose multiple myeloma:

Blood and urine tests- These play an important role in diagnosing myeloma. Here are some following test results to determine the stage of myeloma:

• M protein
• Immunoglobulin
• Light chains.
• Serum albumin and serum beta-2 microglobulin (β2-M)
• Lactase dehydrogenases.

Examination of bone marrow or biopsy- The doctor will take a sample of bone marrow for laboratory testing. 

Imaging tests- Tests include an X-ray, MRI, CT, or positron emission tomography (PET) are used to detect bone problems associated with multiple myeloma. 

Complete Blood Count: This test counts the number of red and white blood cells in your blood, as well as the amount of hemoglobin in your red blood cells and the concentration of red blood cells in your blood.