Multiple myeloma is a rare cancer that forms in plasma cells. Instead of fighting infections, these cancerous plasma cells can damage your health.
Risa Kerslake is a registered nurse and freelance writer who lives in the Midwest, specializing in health, parenting and education topics. Her work has appeared in Women's World, Healthline, Parents, Discover, Sleep Foundation and Giddy, among others.
She's a professional member of both the American Society of Journalists and Authors and the Association of Health Care Journalists. In addition to writing and helping people advocate for their own health, she's enthusiastic about crocheting and reading under the covers. You can find her atMultiple myeloma is a rare cancer that forms in plasma cells. Instead of fighting infections, these cancerous plasma cells can damage your health. Multiple myeloma, also sometimes just called myeloma, is a blood cancer that affects thousands of people each year. Here’s what you need to know about multiple myeloma — what it is, how it’s managed and steps you can take to get an early diagnosis, so treatment can begin as soon as possible.is a rare type of cancer that starts in plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell. Plasma cells make antibodies that help you fight infections. They’re found in the bone marrow, which is the soft inside part of bones where your body makes blood cells.When plasma cells become abnormal, or cancerous, they multiply quickly and crowd out healthy plasma cells. Instead of performing their normal job of making antibodies to protect youThere isn’t a clear reason why some people get multiple myeloma and others don’t. But certain factors can increase the risk of developing the condition.What are the symptoms of multiple myeloma? Multiple myeloma may not cause any symptoms. But when it does, you might experience symptoms such as:Bone problems, including pain, fractures and thinning Kidney problems, including kidney failure, which is when your kidneys can’t properly remove waste from the bodyIf your healthcare provider thinks you have multiple myeloma, or if you are having symptoms, you will have testing done to confirm the diagnosis. If you have no symptoms, multiple myeloma may be found during testing for another health condition.can detect M proteins. A blood test can also discover other proteins made by myeloma cells, such as beta-2-microglobulin. Other blood tests can include complete blood count tests to check your kidney function, and calcium and uric acid levels.like X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans and positron emission tomography scans may be used to look for any bone problems.is a test where your HCP inserts a needle into the bone marrow space — usually from the hip — to collect tissue for testing. This tissue will be studied under a microscope to look for myeloma cells.If your tests show M proteins in your blood without any other symptoms, you may be diagnosed with a condition that’s a precursor to multiple myeloma. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance : Considered noncancerous, or benign, and doesn’t require treatment. About 1% of people with MGUS will eventually have active myeloma. Smoldering multiple myeloma : Considered precancerous, and if treatment is needed, it will likely take place in a clinical trial. About 1 out of 10 people with SMM will get myeloma. If active myeloma is found, it will be staged from 1 to 3. Stage 1 myeloma grows slowly, while stage 3 is faster-growing and more aggressive. Determining the stage helps your HCP figure out the best treatment plan for you.There is no cure for multiple myeloma, but it can be managed with treatment. Multiple myeloma has a five-year survival rate ofClinical trials are a way to get involved in new myeloma treatments. Talk to your HCP about your options, and check out the National Cancer Institute’s list ofI Was Told No One Lives with Pancreatic Cancer, but 31 Years Later, I’m Still Here — Fighting for a Cure She's a professional member of both the American Society of Journalists and Authors and the Association of Health Care Journalists. In addition to writing and helping people advocate for their own health, she's enthusiastic about crocheting and reading under the covers. You can find her at
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