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Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is the abnormal growth of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue in the center of bones that makes red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Plasma cells are a kind of white blood cell. In multiple myeloma, plasma cells grow rapidly and uncontrollably to form tumors in bone.This interferes with the growth and function of normal cells made by the bone marrow. It also damages and weakens bone, causing pain and sometimes fractures.

This cancer occurs mostly in people over 50, and affects African Americans twice as often as White Americans.

The most common symptom is bone pain, often in the back, hip, and ribs. Other symptoms may include:

• anemia
• weight loss
• kidney failure
• repeated infections
• bleeding problems
• numbness and/or weakness of limbs

To evaluate the symptoms, tests are needed to identify the cause. Testing may include blood tests, urine tests, and a biopsy of the bone marrow. A bone biopsy removes a small amount of tissue from the bone marrow by inserting a needle into the bone.

Treatment depends on how advanced the disease is and may include:

• chemotherapy to kill the cancer cells
• radiation therapy to kill the cancer cells and shrink tumors or
• biological therapy that uses methods to get your body to fight the cancer

Consult the UI Health Care Cancer Information Service for more information about this topic.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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