Multiple Myeloma
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Summary
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that begins in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. These cells are part of your immune system, which helps protect the body from germs and other harmful substances. 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:
- Bone pain, often in the back or ribs
(broken bones) - Weakness or fatigue
- Weight loss
- Frequent infections and fevers
- Feeling very thirsty
- Frequent urination
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. Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances that attack specific cancer cells with less harm to normal cells.
NIH: National Cancer Institute
Source: https://medlineplus.gov/multiplemyeloma.html
Library resources related to multiple myeloma
For more information:
Internet Links
What You Need to Know About: Multiple Myeloma (National Cancer Institute)
An electronic booklet about multiple myeloma from the National Cancer Institute. The booklet includes information on what multiple myeloma is, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, staging, treatment, second opinions, nutrition and physical activity, follow-up care, sources of support, and taking part in research studies.
Multiple Myeloma: Detailed Guide (American Cancer Society)
A detailed guide to multiple myeloma by the American Cancer Society. The guide includes descriptions of the causes, risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, staging, treatments, and what's in the research.
About Myeloma (International Myeloma Foundation)
Information from the International Myeloma Foundation on the bone marrow cancer, getting the correct diagnosis, causes, tests, treatments, supportive care, transplant information, monitoring, relapse, and clinical trials.
MedlinePlus search on "multiple myeloma"
Link to a search of the MedlinePlus database for health information on multiple myeloma, includes links to informative articles on myeloma, and interactive tutorials. MedlinePlus links are managed by medical librarians at the National Library of Medicine.