Huntsman Cancer Institute Myeloma Program

What is myeloma?

Myeloma—also called multiple myeloma because myeloma cells usually cluster in multiple sites of the body—is cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. Plasma cells are an important part of the immune system because they produce antibodies called immunoglobulins that help people fight infection.

Myeloma begins in the bone marrow—the soft, spongy tissue that fills the center of bones. The bone marrow is where blood cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are made.

Patients with multiple myeloma develop an excessive number of abnormal plasma cells in their bone marrow. The cancerous plasma cells multiply, building up in the marrow and crowding out normal, healthy blood cells. This buildup of myeloma cells can lead to various medical problems and complications, like a reduction in blood cell production, damage to the surrounding bones, organ damage, and problems with blood clotting and circulation.

There is currently no cure for the majority of multiple myeloma patients. However, it is a treatable disease and half of patients are able to live full-filling lives for 10 years or more after being diagnosed if treated with the best available therapies.

There is also no known cause of multiple myeloma, although there are certain factors that make a person more likely to have this disease, like age, sex, race, obesity, and the presence of other plasma cell disorders.

Age: Growing older increases the chances of developing multiple myeloma. Only 5-10% of cases of myeloma are diagnosed in people under 40. Two-thirds of people diagnosed with myeloma are over the age of 65. Multiple myeloma is rare in children, teens, and young adults.

Sex: Men are 50% more likely to develop multiple myeloma than women.

Race: Myeloma is twice as common in African Americans as in Caucasians. The risk of developing multiple myeloma is lowest among Asian Americans.

Obesity: If a person is overweight or obese, he or she is at increased risk of developing multiple myeloma.

Other plasma cell disorders: Some people with MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy of Unknown Significance) and with solitary plasmacytoma can eventually develop multiple myeloma.