What is multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is cancer in plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell. The cancer cells crowd out normal cells in the bone marrow, causing problems like anemia and bleeding. The cancer cells can also weaken bone and form tumors in the bone or other areas.

Healthy plasma cells make antibodies that help fight infection. But myeloma plasma cells make abnormal antibodies. This can make it hard for your body to fight infection and can cause problems with the kidneys.

Multiple myeloma that isn't causing symptoms may not need treatment right away. When symptoms are present, most people will have several types of treatments. These may include:

• Radiation therapy.
• Surgery.
• Chemotherapy.
• Medicines, such as corticosteroids.
• Targeted therapy.
• Immunotherapy.
• Stem cell transplants.

Common symptoms of multiple myeloma include bone pain and broken bones. You may also have weakness or fatigue. You could have frequent infections, fever, pneumonia, numbness, or kidney failure. You may bruise or bleed easily. Some people have no symptoms in the early stages of myeloma.

Multiple myeloma that isn't causing symptoms may not need treatment right away. If you need treatment, it may include chemotherapy, radiation, steroids, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. You may also have stem cell transplants. Bone tumors caused by multiple myeloma may be treated with medicines, radiation, and surgery.

Your doctor will do a physical exam and talk with you about your current symptoms and past health. Your doctor will also do several tests, such as:

Blood tests.

These are used to look at the levels of red and white cells in your blood. Some tests check for abnormal antibodies in the bloodstream.

Urine tests.

These check to see how well your kidneys work. They are also used to look for signs of multiple myeloma.

Imaging tests.

These may include X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or PET scans. They can show broken bones, bone tumors, or other problems with your bones.

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

These tests look for the number of cancer cells in your bones.

Genetic tests.

These tests look for changes in your genes and chromosomes.

Sometimes myeloma is found by chance in people without symptoms. This can happen when they get one of these tests for another reason.

Taking medicines as prescribed and getting enough sleep may help you feel better. Try to eat foods with protein and extra calories. Try to be active each day if you can. Talk to your doctor if pain keeps you from your daily activities. Consider joining a support group or talking with a counselor.

The exact cause of multiple myeloma is not known. Changes (mutations) in the DNA of your cells may play a role. These changes may prompt your body to start creating too many plasma cells and abnormal antibodies.

Multiple myeloma is cancer in plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell. The cancer cells crowd out normal cells in the bone marrow, causing problems like anemia and bleeding. The cancer cells can also weaken bone and form tumors in the bone or other areas.

Healthy plasma cells make antibodies that help fight infection. But myeloma plasma cells make abnormal antibodies. This can make it hard for your body to fight infection and can cause problems with the kidneys.