What is multiple myeloma?

What is multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer affecting plasma cells, which are a mature form of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Healthy plasma cells are part of the immune system, and fight infections by producing antibodies. In people with multiple myeloma, the plasma cells do not function properly — they grow and divide uncontrollably, and are not able to produce antibodies normally.

What are the symptoms of multiple myeloma?

Some of the characteristic signs and symptoms of the disease include:

• painful bones (most commonly, the spine, ribs and hips are affected);
• bones that fracture easily;
• a tendency to bruise easily;
• being prone to catching infections;
• weight loss; and
• tiredness.

People with multiple myeloma sometimes also have problems with elevated blood calcium levels. This can occur when calcium from bones that are affected by myeloma dissolves into the blood. Symptoms that may suggest a raised blood calcium level include stomach pains, constipation, nausea, excessive thirst and urination, and mental confusion.

How is multiple myeloma diagnosed?

People suspected of having multiple myeloma will usually need to have blood and urine tests, looking for evidence of paraproteins (the abnormal proteins produced by myeloma cells). X-rays or scans of the bones are also performed to determine if there are any areas of bone that have been weakened or eroded by the myeloma cells. A bone marrow biopsy — a test that involves taking a small sample of bone marrow, which is examined under a microscope to look for myeloma cells — is often required.

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