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Multiple Myeloma

Definition

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells made in the bone marrow, which is the spongy tissue inside bones. Normal plasma cells make proteins called antibodies to fight infection. In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells grow quickly and uncontrollably to form tumors in bone. They make a lot of abnormal antibodies. As a result, you have too many antibodies that are not useful. There may be so many of these proteins in your blood that your blood becomes too thick.

Getting Diagnosed / Treatment

Multiple myeloma is treated at the U-M Cancer Center in the Adult Hematology Clinic.

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How Multiple Myeloma impacts the bone marrow

The plasma cell tumors caused by multiple myeloma interfere with the growth and function of normal cells made by the bone marrow. This results in anemia (too few red blood cells, which carry oxygen) and lowered resistance to infection. Fewer blood platelets are produced, so your blood clots more slowly than normal and bleeding may occur.

The uncontrolled production of plasma cells in the bone marrow also causes pain in the bones. Bone tissue may be destroyed, and the bones may break more easily. Calcium from destroyed bone tissue can accumulate in the blood. This condition, called hypercalcemia, can affect many organs in the body, such as the kidneys, nerves, heart, muscles, and digestive tract. The damage to these organs can cause serious health problems. Collapsed bones in the spine may compress nerves, causing numbness or paralysis. If it is not treated, multiple myeloma can spread throughout your body and be fatal.

How does it occur?

The cause of multiple myeloma is not known. It affects mainly people who are middle-aged or older. It affects more men than women and affects African Americans twice as often as Caucasians.

What are the symptoms?

Sometimes it may not cause any symptoms. When it does, symptoms it may cause are:

How is it diagnosed?

Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. He or she may order the following tests:

How is it treated?

The goals of treatment are to decrease the number of the abnormal plasma cells, reduce pain, correct anemia, combat infection, and relieve any other problems caused by the disease. Your health care provider will determine your treatment plan based on the extent of the cancer, your symptoms, your age, and your general health.

Your provider may recommend a combination of the following therapies:

These steps may slow or temporarily stop the growth of the cancer and ease the symptoms. The disease may go away completely for a time (go into remission) but then return.

How long will the effects last

You may enjoy periods of normal health, though relapses of multiple myeloma will occur. About 20% of people live more than 4 years after diagnosis. Some can even be cured. Rarely, the disease is so mild that treatment is not necessary.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow these guidelines:

You may also find it helpful to join a cancer support group during your illness and recovery.

For more information, contact organizations such as:

• American Cancer Society, Inc.
  Phone: 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345)
  Web site: http://www.cancer.org
• AMC Cancer Research Center and Foundation
  Phone: 800-525-3777
  Web site: http://www.amc.org
• National Cancer Institute Cancer Information Service
  Phone: 800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
  Web site: http://cis.nci.nih.gov

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updated 12/2005

 

Disease information developed by McKesson Health Solutions LLC.
Published by McKesson Health Solutions LLC.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.