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Multiple Myeloma

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What is multiple myeloma?

If you have multiple myeloma, here are some facts you should know

Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. The diagram below shows how normal, healthy plasma cells become cancerous and start to grow out of control. Whether you are newly diagnosed, exploring treatment options, or beginning treatment for multiple myeloma, this information can help with preparing for discussions with your doctor.

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How multiple myeloma develops

1. Normal, healthy plasma cells are white blood cells that produce antibodies. Antibodies are part of the immune system and help the body to fight infections.

2. When plasma cells have DNA damage, they can overproduce. This can weaken the immune system and can lead to abnormal amounts of M-protein that can damage your kidneys, cause bone loss, and also impact other areas of the body.

3. These damaged (cancerous) plasma cells rapidly spread and crowd out normal cells, forming cancerous tumors in the bone marrow or soft tissue.

Risk factors

It’s currently unclear what causes multiple myeloma, but here are some risk factors that may increase your chance of developing multiple myeloma:

  • Older age
  • African American/Black heritage
  • Male gender
  • Family history
  • Obesity
  • Having other plasma cell diseases

How multiple myeloma is diagnosed

To identify multiple myeloma, your doctor will look at any symptoms you may have and perform tests to look for signs of multiple myeloma throughout the body.

Signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma

The symptoms of multiple myeloma can vary from person to person. Some people have no symptoms at all.
According to the American Cancer Society, the most common multiple myeloma symptoms include:

  • Bone pain that can be in any bone but is most often in your back, hips, and skull
  • Bone weakness, either all over (osteoporosis) or where there is a bone tumor
  • Broken bones or fractures, sometimes from minor stress or injury

  • Anemia – low levels of red blood cells, which may cause weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness
  • Leukopenia – low levels of white blood cells, which can increase the risk of infections and weaken the immune system
  • Thrombocytopenia – low blood platelet counts, which may cause serious bleeding even with minor scrapes, cuts, or bruises

  • High levels of calcium in the blood, which can cause:
    • Extreme thirst
    • Excessive urination
    • Dehydration
    • Kidney problems and even kidney failure
    • Severe constipation
    • Abdominal pain
    • Loss of appetite
    • Weakness
    • Drowsiness
    • Confusion

  • Weakness and reduced ability to exercise, often associated with higher calcium levels and reduced red blood cells

  • Multiple myeloma patients are much more likely to get infections. One example is pneumonia, which is a common infection often seen in myeloma patients that can be serious.

  • This can make it harder for your body to remove excess salt, fluid, and body waste
  • This can lead to:
    • Weakness
    • Shortness of breath
    • Itching
    • Leg swelling

  • This can cause:
    • Sudden severe back pain
    • Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
    • Muscle weakness, most often in the legs

Talk with your healthcare provider about any symptoms and questions you may have.

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