Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma, is a type of bone marrow cancer.

Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found at the centre of some bones. It produces the body’s blood cells. Multiple myeloma affects the plasma cells (a type of blood cell) inside the bone marrow.

Myeloma does not usually take the form of a lump or tumour. Instead, the myeloma cells divide and expand within the bone marrow, damaging the bones and affecting the production of healthy blood cells.

Myeloma often affects many places in the body, which is why it is called multiple myeloma. Commonly affected areas include the spine, skull, pelvis and ribs.

Symptoms

In the early stages, myeloma may not cause any symptoms. It’s often only suspected or diagnosed after a routine blood or urine test.

However, myeloma will eventually cause a wide range of problems, including:

a persistent dull ache or specific areas of tenderness in your bones weak bones that break (fracture) easily tiredness, weakness and shortness of breath (caused by anaemia) repeated infections less commonly, bruising and unusual bleeding – such as frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums and heavy periods

Read more about the symptoms of multiple myeloma


In the early stages, multiple myeloma may not cause any symptoms or complications, and may only be diagnosed after a routine blood or urine test.

However, it will eventually cause a wide range of problems.


As well as the main treatments for multiple myeloma, you may also need treatment to help relieve some of the problems caused by the condition.

For example:

painkillers – may be given to reduce pain radiotherapy – may be used to relieve bone pain or help healing after a bone is surgically repaired bisphosphonate medication – either given as tablets or by injection, this may help prevent bone damage and reduce the levels of calcium in your blood blood transfusions or erythropoietin medication – may be used to increase your red blood cell count and treat anaemia surgery – may be carried out to repair or strengthen damaged bones, or treat compression of the spinal cord (the main column of nerves running down the back) dialysis – may be required if you develop kidney failure plasma exchange – treatment to remove and replace a blood component called plasma may be carried out if you have unusually thick blood (hyperviscosity)

These treatments can each cause side effects and complications, so make sure you discuss the potential risks and benefits with your treatment team beforehand.