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Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. The cancerous cells multiply uncontrollably and produce abnormal proteins that crowd out healthy blood cells and damage bone tissue.
read more about multiple myeloma ...Cancerous plasma cells affect bone health by releasing substances that trigger the cells that break down bone (osteoclasts) to work faster than the cells that build new bone. This results in weak, porous areas of bone (lesions) and increases the risk of fractures.
High calcium causes thirst, constipation, and confusion. Kidney problems present with swelling, fatigue, or rising creatinine on labs. Anemia brings pallor, weakness, and shortness of breath with activity. Bone disease produces persistent back or rib pain and fractures with minor trauma. Recurrent infections reflect impaired antibody production.
Diagnostic tests confirm the diagnosis using a combination of methods. These include blood tests to check for abnormal protein levels, urine tests, imaging scans to look for bone lesions, and a bone marrow biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous plasma cells.
Multiple myeloma can impact eye health due to the thickening of the blood (hyperviscosity) caused by the excess abnormal proteins. This can slow blood flow in the retinal vessels, leading to retinal bleeding or swelling, which can temporarily blur or distort vision.
Treatment options are available and often include a combination of chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and stem cell transplantation. The aim is to achieve remission and manage bone damage and pain.
Multiple myeloma is not typically curable, but it is highly treatable, and patients often achieve long periods of remission.
Bone pain is a major symptom because the cancerous cells activate the breakdown of bone tissue, creating painful lesions.
No, multiple myeloma is a disease primarily affecting older adults, typically diagnosed around age 65 or older.
Consult a specialist for "CRAB" symptoms: Calcium elevation, Renal (kidney) issues, Anemia, or Bone pain. High levels of proteins in the blood from myeloma can cause "Hyperviscosity Syndrome," leading to blurred vision and retinal hemorrhages seen during an eye exam.
American Cancer Society. Multiple Myeloma (cancer.org). 2025.
Mayo Clinic. Multiple Myeloma (mayoclinic.org). 2025.
National Cancer Institute. Myeloma Treatment (cancer.gov). 2025.
StatPearls. Multiple Myeloma (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). 2024.