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Can Radiation Exposure Lead To Multiple Myeloma?

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Posted on Wed, 22 Oct 2014
Question: My husband was a patient at the XXXXXXX Clinic 4 years ago, he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. He worked around and with a device used to measure the density of the soil by using radiation and radioactive waves. The device was turned on before he left his office, and it was carried in the cab with him, he physically carried it to the site (it weighed around 50 lbs)and he was the only one trained to use this..when he carried it, he would hold it against his right hip/pelvic area.. do you think this could've caused the huge mass found in his right pelvic bone?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
It is plausible but very difficult to specify

Detailed Answer:
Hi
thanks for your query. I understand your concern.

radiation exposure has been shown to increase the risks of myeloma. It is quite conclusive in those exposed to atomic bomb or atomic fallout but in case of occupational exposure it is considered a risk but not conclusive.

In your husband's case it will be very difficult to pinpoint the cause as we are not sure what kind and dose of radiation was emitted by the device and how much he actually received. As we know, myeloma can occur in even those without any exposure. I have seen many cases with large pelvic mass and myeloma with no radiation exposure.

Hence, I feel that we cannot probably deduce that the said device was the cause for myeloma in him.

Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer further followup queries, if any.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (34 minutes later)
Do you think that the exposures of both the radiation and the chemicals he was exposed to would be relevant to his cancer? Did you receive the upload I sent showing the chemicals XXXXXXX had been exposed to. He had written them before he passed away...I appreciate the answers you have given me, I just can't help but think that the coincidence is too familiar.. How do we know that others who had been around and handled this device didn't have MM also? What really concerns me is that there's others out there who are put in imminent danger also and don't even realize it..
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yes some of the chemicals are quite cancer causing

Detailed Answer:
i have gone through that list from the other query you had posted and some of them are known to cause cancer. But to know what happened to the other workers, we really need to do an exhaustive epidemiologic study which can be done only by the authorities or an academic center. I understand your concern but I really don't think you can do much on an individual level.

May be you can get in tough with the occupational hazard authority in your country.

hope this helps.
regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (17 minutes later)
Thank you, so much for trying to help me, Dr. XXXXXXX .at least you answered me in a way that doesn't make me feel that it's totally a loss.. you're very kind..
Vicki
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
If you do not have any further queries, then please close the query and give feedback.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (9 hours later)
I do have one more question.. since Bob's chromosomes were deleted, is there any chance that since it changed his DNA that his children have anything to worry about? Like, would their chances of developing MM be increased?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
not directly

Detailed Answer:
Some studies have shown that children of patients with myeloma have an increased risk of getting the disease but no conclusive evidence is there. So I guess you need not worry about this too much
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Indranil Ghosh

Oncologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 1712 Questions

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Can Radiation Exposure Lead To Multiple Myeloma?

Brief Answer: It is plausible but very difficult to specify Detailed Answer: Hi thanks for your query. I understand your concern. radiation exposure has been shown to increase the risks of myeloma. It is quite conclusive in those exposed to atomic bomb or atomic fallout but in case of occupational exposure it is considered a risk but not conclusive. In your husband's case it will be very difficult to pinpoint the cause as we are not sure what kind and dose of radiation was emitted by the device and how much he actually received. As we know, myeloma can occur in even those without any exposure. I have seen many cases with large pelvic mass and myeloma with no radiation exposure. Hence, I feel that we cannot probably deduce that the said device was the cause for myeloma in him. Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer further followup queries, if any.