Multiple myeloma Dr Rob Hicks Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow. It occurs when plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that normally produces antibodies against infection, undergo cancerous changes and start to grow uncontrollably.

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What are the symptoms? Who's affected?

What's the treatment? Advice and support

The uncontrolled growth of plasma cells disrupts the normal production of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Excessive growth of cancerous plasma cells may damage bone, causing pain. This often occurs in the lower spine and the ribs.

Bone destruction can result in osteoporosis, bone fractures and poor mobility.

Uncontrolled plasma cell growth may result in:

• Anaemia, which may cause tiredness and shortness of breath
• High levels of calcium, called hypercalcaemia, which may cause fatigue and tiredness
• Recurrent, often severe, infections
• Easy bruising
• Headaches
• Numbness, and pins and needles

It's most common in people over 65, affecting men more than women. It rarely occurs in young people.

In the UK, about 3,000 people a year develop it.

Working in leather or rubber manufacturing or the petrol industry, obesity and radiation exposure may increase the risk of multiple myeloma.

Since the precise cause is unknown, it's not possible to prevent multiple myeloma. However, maintaining a healthy weight may lessen a person's risk.

There's no cure. Treatments to stop the progress of the disease may include chemotherapy, biological therapy, radiotherapy and stem cell transplantation.

Specific symptoms and complications of the disease such as anaemia, bone damage, kidney failure, depression and infections are treated as appropriate.

Myeloma UK
Helpline: 0800 980 3332
Website: www.myeloma.org.uk

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in May 2008