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Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

So, what causes multiple myeloma. Am really curious to know. Has everyone been exposed to chemicals possibly?or what is the possibility.

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Kenya
October 13, 2025
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma two years ago. Being from a science and engineering background I always seek answers to the cause of my myeloma. During the 1960s I worked as a BBC engineer on high-power hf transmitters. The hf band (3 - 30 MHz) is not considered ionising radiation but I often wonder if that was the cause of my MM. Working and being surrounded by around 400kW of radiation. It would be interesting to hear from any other broadcast engineers.

January 28
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Wish we did know what causes MM, then we would probably have a cure.

October 13, 2025
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I worked @ a trucking company 13 years & inhaled disease fuel, etc. I just learned in October 2025, the owner had MM 10 years & passed from this disease

January 28
MyMyelomaTeam

Multiple myeloma develops when plasma cells (a type of white blood cell) in your bone marrow become cancerous. These cells develop genetic mutations that cause them to grow out of control and form tumors in the bones. Most cases aren't inherited - the mutations typically develop during a person's lifetime.

Several factors Show Full Answer

Multiple myeloma develops when plasma cells (a type of white blood cell) in your bone marrow become cancerous. These cells develop genetic mutations that cause them to grow out of control and form tumors in the bones. Most cases aren't inherited - the mutations typically develop during a person's lifetime.

Several factors can trigger these genetic mutations, including:
• Radiation exposure
• Certain chemical exposures
• Ultraviolet light
• Cigarette smoke While not everyone with myeloma has been exposed to harmful chemicals, certain occupational exposures may increase risk. Some examples include:
• Pesticides (particularly among farm workers)
• Benzene (found in plastics and drugs)
• Chlorinated solvents
• Industrial chemicals in leather/printing industries

However, it's important to know that exposure to these chemicals doesn't guarantee developing myeloma. Most people who work with these substances don't develop the condition. Multiple factors typically combine to cause myeloma rather than a single exposure.

October 13, 2025

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Did your surrounding come across MM cancer disease rather than your family

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
want to share a little update about my journey. Recently I went for a CT scan of my lungs, and today the doctor explained the results to me. They found some changes in my left lung compared to before. There are areas where the lung lining looks thicker, and a small mass in the lower part of the left lung has grown a bit since my last scan. Because of these changes, the doctors want to do another test called a bronchoscopy, where they use a small camera to look inside the airways and take samples to understand it better. Hearing all this was not easy for me. It made me emotional because it feels like one thing after another. But at the same time, I am thankful that I am already under medical care and the doctors are taking steps to find out exactly what
April 9, 2025

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