Overview
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that begins in plasma cells, which normally help the body make antibodies to fight infection. In myeloma, abnormal plasma cells build up in the bone marrow and crowd out healthy blood-forming cells. They can also damage bones and affect organs such as the kidneys.
Key Symptoms
Symptoms can vary and may develop slowly. Common problems include bone pain, especially in the back or ribs, unusual tiredness, weakness, repeated infections, weight loss, and symptoms related to anemia. Some people also develop increased thirst, constipation, confusion, or reduced urination due to high calcium levels or kidney problems.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause is not fully understood. Risk rises with older age, and the condition is more often diagnosed in men and in people with a family history of myeloma. Certain plasma cell conditions, such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), can increase the chance of developing multiple myeloma over time.
Who Is Affected
Multiple myeloma is mostly diagnosed in older adults and is uncommon in younger people. It affects people worldwide, though patterns differ by population. Some groups have higher rates than others, but anyone can develop the disease.
Diagnosis and Tests
Healthcare professionals may use blood tests to look for abnormal proteins, anemia, kidney problems, and calcium changes. Urine tests can also check for myeloma-related proteins. Imaging such as X-ray, CT, MRI, or PET scans may be used to look for bone damage, and a bone marrow biopsy is often needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the stage of disease, symptoms, overall health, and test results. Categories may include targeted medicines, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, stem cell transplant for some people, radiation therapy, and supportive care for bone health, pain, anemia, infections, or kidney problems. Some people with very early or smoldering disease may be monitored closely before active treatment begins.
Living With It
Living with multiple myeloma often involves regular follow-up visits, blood tests, and monitoring for treatment side effects or disease changes. Fatigue, pain, and infection risk can affect daily life, so support from healthcare professionals, family, and community resources can be important. Emotional health matters too, and many people benefit from counseling or support groups.
Diet and Lifestyle
Food and lifestyle choices do not replace medical treatment, but they can support general health during care. A balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting appropriate physical activity, and avoiding tobacco may help overall well-being. Because infection risk can be higher, ask a healthcare professional about vaccinations, food safety, and when to avoid crowds or sick contacts.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care if you have ongoing bone pain, unusual fatigue, repeated infections, unexplained weight loss, numbness or weakness, or swelling and reduced urination. People already diagnosed with multiple myeloma should report new pain, fever, easy bruising, worsening weakness, or signs of dehydration or kidney problems. Prompt review can help identify complications early.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent medical help for severe weakness, confusion, trouble breathing, chest pain, sudden inability to walk, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe bleeding, or signs of a serious infection such as high fever and shaking chills. Emergency care is also needed for sudden severe back pain with numbness or weakness, which can suggest pressure on the spinal cord. These situations need immediate assessment.