Lytic lesions and their connection to multiple myeloma: An explanation
Multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, affects the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that fights infection. One of the hallmark features of this disease is bone disease, with lytic lesions being a common manifestation.
What are Lytic Lesions?
Lytic lesions, also known as bone or osteolytic lesions, refer to areas of bone destruction. They appear as holes on imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. These lesions can occur due to uncontrolled cell division and are a result of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow stimulating the activity of osteoclasts, cells that break down bone.
Symptoms of Lytic Lesions
Lytic lesions in multiple myeloma can cause a range of symptoms. Bone pain, often severe, is a common complaint due to bone destruction and pathological fractures. Other symptoms include anemia, leading to weakness and fatigue, and hypercalcemia, which can result in symptoms such as confusion and fatigue. Neurological symptoms like radicular pain and spinal cord compression may occur if the vertebrae are affected. Systemic symptoms may include infections and kidney dysfunction secondary to the disease.
Treatment of Lytic Lesions
Treatment for lytic lesions often involves addressing the underlying condition and supportive treatment for the bone. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to reinforce and stabilize bones, such as the insertion of rods or plates into fragile bones. Bone-modifying agents (BMAs) such as pamidronate, zoledronic acid, and denosumab may be prescribed to prevent further bone damage and help correct or prevent hypercalcemia.
Prevalence of Lytic Lesions in Multiple Myeloma
Up to 90% of people with multiple myeloma will develop lytic lesions during the course of the disease. This is due to the disruption of the balance of bone remodeling by the production of osteoclast-activating factors that signal the osteoclast cells to break down bone uncontrollably and inhibiting the formation of osteoblast cells, preventing bone repair.
In conclusion, lytic bone lesions in multiple myeloma result from malignant plasma cells increasing bone resorption, leading to bone pain, fractures, and systemic effects like anemia and hypercalcemia. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected by multiple myeloma.
- Malignant plasma cells in bone marrow can stimulate the activity of osteoclasts, leading to areas of bone destruction known as lytic lesions.
- Lytic lesions, often appearing as holes on imaging tests, are a common manifestation of bone disease in multiple myeloma.
- Severe bone pain is a common complaint in patients with lytic lesions due to bone destruction and pathological fractures.
- Besides bone pain, lytic lesions in multiple myeloma can lead to symptoms such as anemia, hypercalcemia, neurological symptoms, and systemic effects like infections and kidney dysfunction.
- Up to 90% of people with multiple myeloma will develop lytic lesions, which is due to the disruption of the balance of bone remodeling by the production of osteoclast-activating factors.
- Treatment for lytic lesions often includes addressing the underlying condition, supportive treatment for the bone, surgery, and the use of bone-modifying agents to prevent further bone damage and help correct or prevent hypercalcemia.
- In conclusion, managing lytic bone lesions in multiple myeloma can help improve the quality of life for those affected by the condition.
- Lytic bone lesions in multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, are a medical-condition that falls under the umbrella of health-and-wellness, as well as cancer research in science.
