Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer. It affects plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow. Because it causes bone problems, its classification may be confusing.
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer, not a bone cancer
In myeloma, abnormal plasma cells grow in the bone marrow. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell. They make antibodies, which are proteins that activate the immune system to protect the body from infections.
Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside bones. It is also where your body makes blood cells. As myeloma cells build up, they take up space in the marrow. This can leave less room for healthy blood cells.
How multiple myeloma affects the bones
Your body normally breaks down old bone and replaces it with new bone. Two types of cells help control this process. Osteoclasts are cells that break down old bone. Osteoblasts are cells that build new bone.
Myeloma can make osteoclasts more active. It can also reduce the activity of osteoblasts. As a result, bone may break down faster than your body can replace it.
This damage can cause lytic lesions, which are bone areas that were thinned as a result of myeloma cells growing and osteoclasts breaking down the bone. These areas can cause bone pain and raise the risk of fractures.
Bone damage can also release calcium into your blood. Too much calcium in the blood is called hypercalcemia. Learn about bone treatments for people with myeloma.
How myeloma can change your blood counts
Myeloma cells can leave less room for healthy blood cells to grow. This may cause low blood cell counts.
A low red blood cell count can cause anemia. Anemia may make you feel tired, weak, or short of breath.
Myeloma can also lower white blood cells and platelets. White blood cells help your body identify and eliminate infections. Platelets help your blood clot and are important for wound healing.
Your myeloma specialist will check your blood counts to watch for these changes.
Tests can check myeloma and bone health
Doctors use several tests to learn how myeloma affects your body. Blood and urine tests can look for proteins made by myeloma cells.
A bone marrow biopsy can measure abnormal plasma cells in the marrow. During this test, a small sample of bone marrow is removed and examined.
Imaging tests can find bone damage. These may include computed tomography (CT) scans. Doctors may also use positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scans.
These results help your healthcare team understand the myeloma and plan your care.
Myeloma affects both blood cells and bones
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that starts in plasma cells. Because these cells grow in bone marrow, myeloma can also weaken bones. Understanding the effects myeloma has on bone health can help you make sense of your tests and care plan.
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