What is myeloma cancer

In time, myeloma cells collect in the bone marrow and in the solid parts of bones. No one knows the exact causes of multiple myeloma, but it is more common in older people and African Americans. It can run in families. Common symptoms may include. Doctors diagnose multiple myeloma using lab tests, imaging tests, and a bone marrow biopsy.

Your treatment depends on how advanced the disease is and whether you have symptoms. If you have no symptoms, you may not need treatment right away. If you have symptoms, you may have chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, radiation, or targeted therapy.

Understanding myeloma Understanding myeloma. What is myeloma? What causes myeloma? Related conditions. How your money helps Donations Donations. Do your own fundraising. Take part in an event. Clinical Trials Clinical Trials. Our Role. What are plasma cells? How does myeloma develop?

What are the symptoms of myeloma? Is myeloma treatable? Further reading. Infopack for newly diagnosed patients. Find out more. Myeloma — An Introduction. When more advanced, symptoms of myeloma may include bone pain, especially in the back or ribs; bones that break easily; fever for no known reason; frequent infections; bruising or bleeding easily; trouble breathing; weakness of the arms or legs; and feeling very tired.

These symptoms can also come from other conditions. If you have any of them, talk to your doctor. The Data Visualizations tool makes it easy for anyone to explore and use the latest official federal government cancer data from United States Cancer Statistics.

It includes the latest cancer data covering the U. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.

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What is myeloma? Myeloma can also affect the kidneys. Understanding myeloma. A booklet explaining myeloma, covering the causes and symptoms, diagnosis, staging and grading, treatments and Types of myeloma There are different types of myeloma.

Some people have myeloma that is not causing symptoms. Doctors call this smouldering myeloma. See also What is cancer? Symptoms of myeloma There are different symptoms of myeloma.

They include: bone pain feeling very tired and getting different infections. See also Do I have cancer? Causes of myeloma Doctors do not know what causes myeloma. Different things we call risk factors can increase the chance of developing it.

These include being older or having had the condition MGUS first. Having risk factors does not mean someone will get myeloma. We have more information about the causes and risk factors of myeloma.

Diagnosis of myeloma Myeloma can be diagnosed in different ways. Tests to diagnose myeloma include: Blood tests are used to help diagnose and to monitor myeloma Urine tests to check for Bence Jones protein in your urine X-rays to look at different bones a bone marrow test to look at myeloma cells in the bone marrow where blood cells are made tests on the myeloma cells to look for changes in the chromosomes of the cell called cytogenetic testing.

Chromosomes are made up of genes. Genes carry instructions cells need to work properly. See also Waiting for results. Stages of myeloma The stage shows how quickly or slowly myeloma may develop using the results of blood tests. Treatment for myeloma There are different treatments for myeloma. Treatment usually includes: Targeted therapies and immunotherapy drugs.

Stem cell transplants. See also Your treatment options Preparing for treatment. Treating bone problems and other symptoms of myeloma Myeloma can cause symptoms and complications.