Each year there are over 3,300 new cases of multiple myeloma. It accounts for only 1% of all new cases of cancer diagnosed each year.
Myeloma develops from cells within the bone marrow called plasma cells. Plasma cells produce proteins called antibodies, which help to fight infection. In myeloma, a single plasma cell develops faults and multiplies out of control. This makes the immune system much less effective at fighting infection. Myeloma cells produce excessive amounts of a single type of antibody, which is known as paraprotein, or monoclonal spike.
Myeloma usually develops at a number of different sites within the body. This cancer is therefore called multiple myeloma. The most common sites for multiple myeloma are the pelvis, spine, rib cage, skull, shoulders and hips.

Risk Factors

• Age
  Multiple myeloma is more common from the age of 50 onwards.
• Radiation
  People who have been exposed to high doses of radiation may have a greater risk of developing multiple myeloma.
• Other plasma cell diseases
  People with a disease called monoclonal gammopathy are at increased risk of developing multiple myeloma.
• Ethnicity
  Multiple myeloma is about twice as common in people of African descent than in the general population.

• bone pain (this may be a result of bone damage)
• bleeding/bruising problems (this can be a result of impaired healing)
• anaemia
• tiredness
• weakness
• shortness of breath
• infection (as a result of not having enough healthy white blood cells)
• confusion
• constipation.

• difficulty passing urine
• swollen ankles
• thirst
• nausea
• vomiting

These signs and symptoms usually indicate problems other than cancer. However, people who notice any symptoms should see their doctor.

Detection
Initially the doctor will ask questions about previous medical problems, and carry out a physical examination. The doctor or, after referral, a specialist may also want to do further tests, which can include:

• Blood tests
  These will check the number and appearance of different types of cells in the blood, as well as the levels of antibodies and certain proteins that may indicate kidney damage.
• Urine test
  The doctor may examine the urine for paraprotein (excess antibody), or for Bence-Jones protein, which is part of paraprotein and consists of fragments of antibodies.
• X-rays
  X-rays may show signs of bone damage caused by myeloma cells.
• Bone marrow tests

Treatment
Treatment for multiple myeloma may include:

• Chemotherapy
  Chemotherapy is the main treatment for multiple myeloma.
• Radiotherapy
  Radiotherapy is commonly used to treat localised areas where there is bone destruction and pain. Doctors may give radiotherapy as a treatment on its own, or in addition to chemotherapy.
• Steroids
• Biological therapy
  Doctors may use interferon to treat multiple myeloma, usually following chemotherapy.
• Intensive treatments
  Doctors may use high-dose chemotherapy or radiotherapy in combination with a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
• Supportive treatments to help relieve symptoms
  Doctors may use treatments such as blood transfusions and drugs to treat anaemia, antibiotics to fight infections, and painkillers and drugs for bone damage.

Contents Reproduced by Kind Permission of CancerHelp UK
http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=4751