What is multiple myeloma?
If you have multiple myeloma, here are some facts you should know
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. The diagram below shows how normal, healthy plasma cells become cancerous and start to grow out of control.
Whether you are newly diagnosed, exploring treatment options, or beginning treatment for multiple myeloma, this information can help with preparing for discussions with your doctor.
How multiple myeloma develops
Normal, healthy plasma cells are white blood cells that produce antibodies. Antibodies are part of the immune system and help the body to fight infections.
When plasma cells have DNA damage, they can overproduce. This can weaken the immune system and can lead to abnormal amounts of M-protein that can damage your kidneys, cause bone loss, and also impact other areas of the body.
These damaged (cancerous) plasma cells rapidly spread and crowd out normal cells, forming cancerous tumors in the bone marrow or soft tissue.
Risk factors
It’s currently unclear what causes multiple myeloma, but here are some risk factors that may increase your chance of developing multiple myeloma:
- Older age
- Male gender
- Obesity
- African American/Black heritage
- Family history
- Having other plasma cell diseases