Myeloma | Wētoto oratā

Myeloma (also called multiple myeloma) is a cancer of plasma cells in your bone marrow.

Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell made in your bone marrow, which is found in the centre of large bones. In myeloma, abnormal plasma cells build up in your bone marrow and release large amounts of a single antibody called a paraprotein.

The image below shows yellow and red bone marrow. Red bone marrow makes your blood cells – platelets, red cells and white cells. Plasma cells are a type of white cell which makes antibodies. In myeloma, abnormal plasma cells and antibodies outnumber the normal blood cells and healthy antibodies. 

Image credit: Depositphotos

Unlike many cancers, myeloma doesn't appear as a lump or tumour.

Myeloma can stop your bone marrow making enough healthy cells. It can also affect your kidneys.

Symptoms of myeloma include:

• tiredness
• bone pain
• recurrent infections, bruising or bleeding
• bone disease, which can cause fractures.

Diagnosis

Myeloma is diagnosed using blood and urine tests, X-rays of bones and a bone marrow biopsy.

Treatment

The treatment for myeloma varies and can include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and stem cell transplant.