Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer formed by cancerous plasma cells in the blood. Normal plasma cells are an important part of the body’s immune system. The immune system comprises several types of cells that work together to fight infections. Lymph cells (called “lymphocytes”) are the primary type of cell in the immune system. There are two types of lymph cells: T cells and B cells.

When B cells respond to an infection, they change into plasma cells. Plasma cells are mainly found in the bone marrow, the soft, inner part of some bones. They make proteins called antibodies that attack and help kill germs.

When plasma cells grow out of control, they can form a tumor, usually in the bone marrow. This type of tumor is called a myeloma, and if there are many of them, they are called multiple myeloma. Too many plasma cells can cause problems in the bone marrow where blood cells are made. The bone marrow may be unable to make enough red blood cells, platelets or normal white blood cells.

Myeloma cells do not protect the body from infections. They make antibodies just like normal plasma cells, but these antibodies do not attack germs.

Facts: According to the Illinois State Cancer Registry, in 2021, there were 1,066 cases of multiple myeloma that were diagnosed in Illinois. Of these, there 582 cases in males and 484 cases in women. In addition, there were 436 deaths from multiple myeloma.

While the exact cause of multiple myeloma is not known, scientists are learning how changes in DNA can cause plasma cells to become cancerous. DNA is the substance that tells cells how to behave. Cancer can be caused by changes (mutations) in the DNA that controls cell growth.

Scientists have identified a few risk factors that make a person more likely to develop multiple myeloma. But most people with these risk factors never get the disease. Most people with multiple myeloma have no known risk factors besides age.

Age is the most significant risk factor for multiple myeloma. Half of the people found to have this cancer are older than 71 years of age. Only 1% of cases are in people younger than 40.

Men are more likely to get this cancer than women.

Multiple myeloma is about twice as common in African Americans, and the reason is not known.

Being exposed to radioactivity has been suggested as a risk factor, but this would account for only a minimal number of cases.

Some studies suggest that workers in some oil-related industries may be at a higher risk.

A recent study by the American Cancer Society found that being overweight increases a person’s risk of developing myeloma.

Many people with other plasma cell diseases will later develop multiple myeloma.

Common symptoms of multiple myeloma include:

• bone pain, usually in the back (most common early symptom of myeloma)
• broken bones, usually in the spine
• weakness and tiredness (anemia in contribution)
• pale complexion from anemia, a common medical problem for patients with myeloma
• excessive thirst
• frequent infections and fevers
• unintentional weight loss
• nausea or constipation
• frequent urination

These symptoms are most often These symptoms are most often not due to cancer since other health problems can cause the same symptoms. It is important to report any of the above symptoms to a doctor.

With multiple myeloma, there are no risk factors you can avoid to prevent the disease. There is no known way to prevent the disease in those with other plasma cell diseases.

• American Cancer Society
• Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
• Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
• National Cancer Institute