Myeloma starts in the plasma cells within the bone marrow and can spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. The bones are most commonly affected, with the most frequent sites being:
- Spine
- Pelvis
- Skull
- Ribs
- Long bones (like the femur in the leg) Beyond the bones, myeloma can also spread to soft Show Full Answer
Myeloma starts in the plasma cells within the bone marrow and can spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. The bones are most commonly affected, with the most frequent sites being:
- Spine
- Pelvis
- Skull
- Ribs
- Long bones (like the femur in the leg) Beyond the bones, myeloma can also spread to soft tissues and organs — this is called extramedullary disease. When it spreads outside the bones, it most often affects tissues close to the bones already involved, but it can also reach:
- Sinuses and nasal cavities
- Lymph nodes
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Lungs
- Skin
In rare cases, myeloma can even affect the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, potentially causing headaches, dizziness, or vision issues.
A MyMyelomaTeam member shared: "In my case, myeloma spread through all the main bones. I had to have spinal surgery to prevent six vertebrae from collapsing."
It's worth knowing that many people don't notice symptoms until the disease has already spread, so staying in close contact with your care team is really important.
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?
July 17