Myeloma is a rare form of cancer, it is estimated there are 24,000 people in the UK at any given time with myeloma and it accounts for 2% of all cancers and 15% of blood cancers.
Myeloma is a form of haematological (blood) cancer which forms from the plasma cells - which are a type of white blood cell which form part of the bodies’ immune system.
All blood cells (including plasma cells) are made in the bone marrow which is the ‘spongy’ material in the middle of large bones.
As part of the immune system, healthy plasma cells make antibodies (also known as immunoglobulins), which fight infections within the body.
Myeloma forms when these cells are damaged and the abnormal cells start to spread and multiply within the bone marrow. This then leads to the release of an antibody called paraprotein which, alongside the build up of the abnormal cells, causes medical issues.
Myeloma does not form into tumours (lumps) like many other cancers, it impacts the bone marrow within specific bones (such as the long leg bones, arms, spine, pelvis, hips etc).
You may also hear myeloma referred to as multiple myeloma, this is because myeloma affects multiple bones within your body rather than at just one site.
The following websites offer more explanation on myeloma and the types:
Macmillan Cancer Support:
Myeloma UK:
- (specifically pages 11 – 14)
