Can Multiple Myeloma be Passed Down Through Genetics?

The Silent Killer: Understanding the Genetic Mutations Behind Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that forms in plasma cells, is a silent killer that often goes unnoticed until symptoms become severe. This disease is not hereditary, meaning it is not passed down through families, but rather develops due to genetic mutations in the DNA of plasma cells.

Research has shown that genetic mutations in the DNA of plasma cells cause healthy cells to transform into abnormal cancerous cells that grow uncontrollably in the bone marrow. These mutations can occur over time due to a combination of environmental, lifestyle, and family history factors.

Two main types of genetic mutations that can lead to multiple myeloma are changes in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Proto-oncogenes control cell growth and division, while tumor suppressor genes slow cell growth and trigger cell death. When mutations occur in these genes, cancerous cells can grow and spread out of control.

In addition to genetic mutations, abnormalities in chromosomes can also contribute to the development of multiple myeloma. About 50% of people with this disease have chromosome translocations, where parts of different chromosomes swap places, leading to uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells.

While multiple myeloma is not inherited, a family history of the disease is a well-established risk factor. People with a first-degree relative with multiple myeloma are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Researchers are still investigating why this is the case, but shared environmental or lifestyle factors may play a role.

Other risk factors for multiple myeloma include age, gender, race, underlying plasma cell conditions, environmental exposures, and obesity. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of multiple myeloma, such as bone pain, frequent infections, fatigue, kidney problems, and numbness or weakness in the legs, and seek medical attention if these symptoms arise.

Ultimately, understanding the genetic mutations and risk factors behind multiple myeloma is crucial for early detection and prevention of this deadly disease.