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Multiple Myeloma
Urgent
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found mainly in the bone marrow. Abnormal plasma cells multiply and produce an abnormal protein that can affect bones, blood, kidneys, and the immune system. The disease may cause bone pain, weakness, anemia, recurrent infections, or kidney problems, although some people have few symptoms initially.
Body System
Blood & Immune System
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek prompt medical assessment for persistent or severe bone pain, unusual fractures, severe weakness, recurrent infections, unexplained bleeding, or symptoms suggesting kidney problems. Emergency care is needed for severe weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, difficulty breathing, or sudden neurological symptoms.
Symptoms
3
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found mainly in the bone marrow. Abnormal plasma cells multiply and produce an abnormal protein that can affect bones, blood, kidneys, and the immune system. The disease may cause bone pain, weakness, anemia, recurrent infections, or kidney problems, although some people have few symptoms initially.
Symptoms 3
Blisters
Fatigue
Persistent Hoarseness
Causes 1
Multiple myeloma develops when plasma cells acquire abnormal changes that allow them to grow and multiply uncontrollably in the bone marrow. The exact cause of these cellular changes is not known. Some cases develop from an earlier plasma-cell condition such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). The abnormal cells can crowd normal blood-forming cells and produce monoclonal proteins.
Genetics
Risk Factors
Risk factors for multiple myeloma include increasing age, male sex, a personal history of certain plasma-cell disorders such as MGUS or plasmacytoma, and exposure to radiation or certain chemicals. Family and genetic factors may also contribute. Having a risk factor does not mean that a person will develop multiple myeloma, and the disease can occur without a known risk factor.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis of multiple myeloma involves medical history, physical examination, and laboratory and imaging tests. Blood and urine tests can detect abnormal monoclonal proteins, free light chains, anemia, kidney problems, or abnormal calcium levels. Bone marrow examination may identify abnormal plasma cells. Imaging such as X-ray, CT, MRI, or PET-CT may be used to look for bone lesions and other disease-related changes.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
There is no established way to completely prevent multiple myeloma because many of its causes are not known or cannot be changed
People with conditions associated with increased risk may benefit from appropriate medical follow-up
Reporting persistent bone pain, unusual fatigue, recurrent infections, or other concerning symptoms can support earlier evaluation
Management of identified plasma-cell disorders should follow medical advice
Prevention Guidance
There is no established way to completely prevent multiple myeloma because many of its causes are not known or cannot be changed. People with conditions associated with increased risk may benefit from appropriate medical follow-up. Reporting persistent bone pain, unusual fatigue, recurrent infections, or other concerning symptoms can support earlier evaluation. Management of identified plasma-cell disorders should follow medical advice.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Protein-rich foods
Help preserve muscle mass
Calcium-rich foods
Support bone health
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Provide essential nutrients
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol
May worsen health status
Highly processed foods
Should be minimized
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
It is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow.
Bone pain, fatigue, infections, and kidney problems may occur.
Blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging are used.
It is usually manageable but often requires long-term treatment.
Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation may be used.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.