MyMyelomaTeam

How does myeloma spread through the body?

Myeloma starts in plasma cells within the bone marrow. These cancerous cells can leave the bone marrow and travel through the bloodstream, just like normal immune cells do. This allows them to spread to other areas of the body and form additional tumors.

When myeloma spreads, it Show Full Answer

How does myeloma spread through the body?

Myeloma starts in plasma cells within the bone marrow. These cancerous cells can leave the bone marrow and travel through the bloodstream, just like normal immune cells do. This allows them to spread to other areas of the body and form additional tumors.

When myeloma spreads, it most commonly affects bones throughout the body. The most frequent sites include:

- Spine
- Pelvis
- Skull
- Ribs
- Long bones (like the femur in the leg)

The cancer cells slowly destroy bone tissue, which often causes bone pain, particularly in the back. This pain can last for weeks and is sometimes mistaken for strain from work or physical activity.

Beyond bones, myeloma can also spread to soft tissues and organs. When it spreads outside the bone marrow, this is called extramedullary disease. These tumors can develop in:

- Soft tissues next to affected bones
- Sinuses, nasal cavities, or throat
- Lymph nodes
- Organs like the lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, or skin

While rare, myeloma can even affect the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, causing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and vision problems.

Many people don't notice symptoms until the disease has already spread, as early myeloma can be asymptomatic.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

How Does Myeloma Spread Through the Body?