What Is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer. It happens when plasma cells in the bone marrow grow out of control.

Light chain myeloma makes up about 20% of cases. These cancer cells make incomplete antibodies, known as light chains, which can harm the kidneys. Finding it early helps protect kidney function.

This type doesn't release the usual proteins into blood or urine that doctors look for, making it harder to find. Doctors often need to take a sample of bone marrow to confirm it. Even though it's tricky to diagnose, treatments are available.

This is a single tumor of cancer cells. Doctors use special scans called PET-CT to find it. Treatment usually includes radiation or surgery to remove the tumor before it can spread.

This type grows outside the bone marrow in soft tissues, often in the throat area. Radiation and surgery are common treatments. Finding it early leads to better results.

These are precancerous conditions. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) rarely causes problems, but smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) has about a 50% chance of turning into active myeloma within five years. Regular checkups are important for both.

IgD myeloma mainly affects men younger than 60. This rare type affects only 1%-2% of all people with myeloma.

IgE myeloma is the rarest type of multiple myeloma. It tends to be aggressive and progresses to plasma cell leukemia or spreads outside the bone marrow quickly.