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Multiple Myeloma
Understanding Your Diagnosis Deciding on Treatment Managing Side Effects Cancer FAQs Advanced Reading
Multiple myeloma is a rare cancer that begins in a type of white blood cell called the plasma cell. Plasma cells are found in the bone marrow.
Overview
Myeloma cells collect in the bone marrow and the outer layer of the bone. Because the cells begin in the blood plasma, myeloma is not a bone cancer, but is cancer that affects bones.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
Myeloma can cause bone pain, fractures, and weakness. These may be symptoms of other bone disorders, so your doctor will use X-rays, blood and urine tests, and biopsy to confirm your diagnosis.
Deciding on Treatment
Your treatment plans depends on your age and health, and the extent of the disease. You may need surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.
Managing Side Effects
Side effects are common during cancer treatment, and they vary from person to person. Your health care team will work to ease the side effects that you experience.
Advanced Reading
Learn more about multiple myeloma from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Physician Data Query (PDQ®) for patients. It includes information about prevention, screening, and treatment.
