What You Need to Know About Multiple Myeloma

March is Myeloma Awareness Month

Multiple myeloma (MM) blood cancer is a rare disorder. Early diagnosis may be difficult because symptoms often go unnoticed until the disease has progressed.

Myeloma begins when a plasma cell becomes abnormal. The abnormal cell divides to make copies of itself. The new cells divide again and again, making more and more abnormal cells. These abnormal plasma cells are called myeloma cells.

In time, myeloma cells collect in the bone marrow. They may damage the solid part of the bone. When myeloma cells collect in several of your bones, the disease is called “multiple myeloma.” This disease may also harm other tissues and organs, such as the kidneys.