What is multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that develops when plasma cells—white blood cells that normally help fight infection—become abnormal and grow out of control. These cancerous cells build up in the bone marrow and can form tumors, crowding out healthy blood cells.
Plasma cells normally Show Full Answer
What is multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that develops when plasma cells—white blood cells that normally help fight infection—become abnormal and grow out of control. These cancerous cells build up in the bone marrow and can form tumors, crowding out healthy blood cells.
Plasma cells normally produce antibodies to protect against infection. In myeloma, genetic mutations cause these cells to multiply uncontrollably. Over time, this can lead to:
- Weakened or damaged bones
- Lower levels of healthy blood cells
- Kidney and organ damage from abnormal proteins
- Increased risk of infections
Understanding your diagnosis
While most cases of multiple myeloma can't be cured, it's increasingly being managed as a chronic condition. New medications and treatment approaches continue to improve survival rates and quality of life for many people living with myeloma.
Your healthcare team will assign a stage to your myeloma based on blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, and imaging studies. This helps guide treatment decisions tailored to your specific situation.
December 10, 2025
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