What is myeloma?
Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that occurs when abnormal plasma cells of the bone marrow multiply in an uncontrolled way. This differs from leukaemia, which is a cancer of the white blood cells in blood.[1]
Plasma cells develop in the bone marrow (the spongy part in the middle of bone) from B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Plasma cells make antibodies that help the body fight infection.
Myeloma occurs when plasma cells grow abnormally and become myeloma cells. Myeloma cells can:
- produce an abnormal antibody (called monoclonal protein, M-protein or paraprotein) that weakens the immune system and damages the kidneys[1][2]
- crowd the bone marrow, preventing it from making healthy blood cells
build up in the bone marrow and form tumours in one or many bones of the body; these tumours secrete chemicals that cause other bone marrow cells (called osteoclasts) to remove calcium from bone.[3]
When myeloma cells are found in only one part of the body, it's called a plasmacytoma; when they're found in many bones, it's called multiple myeloma, the most common form.
Explore statistics on multiple myeloma, including the number of new cases, deaths, survival rates, and overall prevalence.
Exposure to radiation, chemicals, viruses, aging, obesity, plasma cell diseases, gender, and family history can increase myeloma risk.
Myeloma often causes no symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage, and the most common symptoms include bone pain, easy bruising, fatigue, and kidney problems.
Multiple tests, including blood tests, urine tests, imaging scans, and bone marrow examinations, are used to diagnose myeloma and determine its stage, which helps guide treatment planning.
Multiple myeloma treatment plans are tailored to individual needs and may include a combination of drugs, stem cell transplants, and supportive therapies to target cancer cells and manage symptoms.
Living with cancer can be challenging, but you can find support from family, friends, health professionals, and cancer support organizations to help you cope with the emotional, physical, and practical issues related to your diagnosis.
Research is ongoing to find new ways to diagnose and treat different types of cancer.
Details for professionals seeking comprehensive information on myeloma diagnosis and treatment.
Last updated 20 November 2024
