What Is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is cancer that affects certain white blood cells called plasma cells. It represents about one percent of all cancers in the United States. Approximately four to five out of every 100,000 people are diagnosed with it each year.

How Does Multiple Myeloma Develop?

The human body is made up of tiny building blocks called cells. Normal cells grow and multiply when the body needs them, and die out when the body does not need them.

Cancer is made up of abnormal cells that grow whether or not the body needs them. Multiple myeloma is cancer that begins in the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. Plasma cells make proteins that help the body fight disease. These cells are in the soft inner part of our bones, called the bone marrow. Multiple myeloma starts when plasma cells become abnormal. It's also known as myeloma or plasma cell myeloma.

Effects of Multiple Myeloma

White blood cells originate in the bone marrow, some of which become antibody-producing plasma cells.

Cancerous plasma cells are called myeloma cells. Myeloma cells crowd normal bone marrow, so there is not enough room for the bone marrow to make as many healthy cells. Several kinds of blood problems may result.

  • Low red blood cell count. This condition is called anemia. We diagnose anemia through a blood test. Anemia can cause tiredness as well as other problems.
  • Low white blood cell count. This condition is neutropenia. It weakens the body's defenses against infection.
  • Low platelet count. This condition is called thrombocytopenia. It may lead to bleeding. Although this cancer starts in blood cells, it also affects the bones. Myeloma cells can harm the bone structure. Bones may become weak and more likely to break.

Multiple Myeloma and Hypercalcemia

Because they destroy bone, myeloma cells can cause the calcium that’s stored in the bone to be released into the bloodstream. This can lead to too much calcium in the blood, called hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can harm the heart, nerves and kidneys. Signs of hypercalcemia include:

  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent urination
  • Frequent thirst
  • Muscle weakness

Multiple Myeloma and Kidney Function

Myeloma can also affect the kidney. Myeloma cells make large amounts of abnormal proteins called M-proteins. These M-proteins circulate in the blood and can overwork the kidneys, so they cannot function properly.

Multiple Myeloma Symptoms

Symptoms of multiple myeloma include bone pain, weakness and weight loss. Learn more about multiple myeloma symptoms.

Multiple Myeloma Risk Factors

We don't know what causes multiple myeloma, but there are certain risk factors that make you more likely to develop the disease. Risk factors include family history, your age and a history of plasma cell disease. Learn more about multiple myeloma risk factors.

Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis

We may use a number of different tests to confirm a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. These include X-ray, MRI and bone marrow aspiration biopsy. Learn more about multiple myeloma diagnosis.

Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Your specific treatment for multiple myeloma will depend on a number of factors, including your age and the extent of the disease. Treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery and stem cell transplantation. Learn more about multiple myeloma treatments.

Multiple Myeloma Staging

Staging the disease is the process of determining the extent of the cancer. Learn more about multiple myeloma staging.

Multiple Myeloma Support Group

Learn more about the Bay Area Multiple Myeloma Support Group.

Clinical Trials for Multiple Myeloma

Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.

Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.

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Clinics for Multiple Myeloma