About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, and understanding how it starts is helpful if you or a loved one are faced with this cancer. In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) build up in the bone marrow and form tumors in many bones of the body. These tumors may keep the bone marrow from making enough healthy blood cells.
As the number of myeloma cells increases, fewer red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are made in the bone marrow, and the myeloma cells also damage and weaken the bone. Learn more about the symptoms and risk factors of multiple myeloma below so you can be informed and know what to look for.
Symptoms and Risk Factors of Multiple Myeloma
Sometimes, multiple myeloma does not cause any signs or symptoms. This is called smoldering multiple myeloma. It may be found when a blood or urine test is done for another condition. Signs and symptoms may be caused by multiple myeloma or other conditions. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Bleeding easily
- Bone pain, especially in the back or ribs
- Bones that break easily
- Bruising easily
- Feeling very tired
- Fever for no known reason or frequent infections
- Trouble breathing
- Weakness of the arms or legs
Plasma cell neoplasms are most common in people who are middle-aged or older. For multiple myeloma and plasmacytoma, other risk factors include the following:
- Being black
- Being male
- Having a personal history of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) or plasmacytoma
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