By Dr. Rajesh Bollam
January 07, 2026
Multiple Myeloma: Understanding a Blood Cancer That Affects Bone Marrow
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced. It affects plasma cells, which play a key role in the immune system by producing antibodies that help fight infections. When these plasma cells become abnormal, they multiply uncontrollably and interfere with normal blood production.
This condition can weaken bones, lower immunity and affect vital organs such as the kidneys. If left undiagnosed or untreated, multiple myeloma can lead to serious complications. However, with advances in medical oncology, multiple myeloma is now considered a highly manageable disease, particularly when detected early and treated with modern therapies.
What Is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma occurs when healthy plasma cells develop genetic changes that cause them to grow out of control. These abnormal plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and crowd out healthy blood-forming cells.
In addition to disrupting normal blood cell production, myeloma cells produce abnormal proteins that circulate in the blood. These proteins can damage bones, kidneys and the immune system, contributing to many of the symptoms associated with the disease.
Multiple myeloma most commonly affects:
- Adults above 50 years of age
- Men slightly more than women
- People with long-standing immune or plasma cell–related disorders
Although it is considered a rare cancer, multiple myeloma accounts for a significant proportion of blood cancers diagnosed worldwide.
How Multiple Myeloma Affects the Body
As multiple myeloma progresses, it can impact several systems in the body:
- Bone marrow: Reduced production of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets
- Bones: Increased bone breakdown leading to pain, thinning and fractures
- Immune system: Reduced ability to fight infections
- Kidneys: Damage caused by abnormal proteins and high calcium levels
These effects often develop gradually, which is why early symptoms may be overlooked.
Symptoms and Causes
Common Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
Symptoms of multiple myeloma often appear slowly and may initially resemble common age-related or lifestyle-related health issues. Some people may not notice symptoms until routine blood tests reveal abnormalities.
Common warning signs include:
- Persistent bone pain, especially in the back, ribs, hips or pelvis
- Fatigue and weakness due to anaemia
- Frequent or recurrent infections caused by low immunity
- Unexplained fractures or bone thinning
- Weight loss and reduced appetite
- Nausea or constipation due to high calcium levels
If these symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical evaluation is essential.
What Causes Multiple Myeloma?
The exact cause of multiple myeloma is not fully understood. Medical experts know that it develops when plasma cells acquire genetic mutations over time. These mutations are not inherited but occur during a person’s lifetime.
Researchers continue to study the specific gene changes involved, as these mutations help doctors understand how aggressive the disease is and how it may respond to treatment.
Risk Factors
Several factors are associated with a higher risk of developing multiple myeloma:
- Increasing age, especially above 50 years
- Male sex
- Family history of plasma cell disorders
- Obesity
- Certain environmental or chemical exposures
- Pre-existing plasma cell conditions, such as MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance)
Having one or more risk factors does not mean a person will develop multiple myeloma, but it may increase the likelihood.
Complications of Multiple Myeloma
If not managed appropriately, multiple myeloma can lead to complications such as:
- Bone fractures and deformities
- Kidney dysfunction or kidney failure
- Severe anemia
- High calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia)
- Nerve damage causing numbness or tingling
- Recurrent or severe infections
Some complications may require urgent medical care, particularly kidney failure or spinal cord compression due to weakened vertebrae.
Diagnosis and Tests
How Is Multiple Myeloma Diagnosed?
Doctors use a combination of laboratory tests, imaging studies and tissue analysis to diagnose multiple myeloma and assess disease severity.
Diagnostic tests may include:
- Blood tests to detect abnormal proteins, anemia and organ function abnormalities
- Urine tests to identify protein leakage linked to myeloma
- Bone marrow biopsy to confirm the presence of abnormal plasma cells
- Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI or PET-CT scans to assess bone damage
- Kidney function and calcium level tests
Early diagnosis allows timely treatment and helps prevent irreversible organ damage.
Precursors to Multiple Myeloma
Some people are diagnosed with early plasma cell disorders that may progress to multiple myeloma, such as:
- MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance)
- Smouldering multiple myeloma
Most individuals with these conditions do not develop active multiple myeloma, but regular monitoring is essential.
Staging of Multiple Myeloma
Doctors use established staging systems to determine how advanced the disease is. Staging helps guide treatment decisions and estimate prognosis. It is based on blood markers, organ involvement and genetic features of the cancer cells.
Management and Treatment
How Is Multiple Myeloma Treated?
Treatment for multiple myeloma has evolved significantly, offering patients improved survival and quality of life. Therapy often involves a combination of medications and, in selected patients, stem cell transplantation.
Treatment options may include:
- Targeted therapy to attack cancer cells more precisely
- Immunotherapy to strengthen the immune response against cancer
- Chemotherapy to reduce abnormal plasma cells
- Steroids to control inflammation and tumour growth
- Bone marrow (stem cell) transplant in eligible patients
Treatment plans are tailored to each patient based on age, disease stage, symptoms and overall health.
Supportive Care During Treatment
In addition to cancer-directed therapy, patients may receive:
- Medications to reduce bone pain and prevent fractures
- Treatments to protect kidney function
- Vaccinations or antibiotics to prevent infections
- Nutritional and physical rehabilitation support
Outlook / Prognosis
What Can You Expect With Multiple Myeloma?
There is currently no permanent cure for multiple myeloma. However, many patients live for years with controlled disease due to modern treatment approaches.
Prognosis varies depending on:
- Stage at diagnosis
- Genetic features of the cancer
- Response to treatment
- Overall health of the patient
Early-stage disease generally has better outcomes and longer survival
Living With Multiple Myeloma
Living with multiple myeloma involves ongoing monitoring, treatment and lifestyle adjustments. Patients are encouraged to:
- Follow their treatment plan closely
- Attend regular follow-up appointments
- Maintain good nutrition and safe physical activity
- Seek emotional and psychological support when needed
Managing the condition is a long-term process, but many people continue to lead active and fulfilling lives.
Multiple myeloma treatment has advanced significantly, allowing patients to live longer with improved quality of life. While living with a blood cancer can be challenging, patients are not alone in this journey.
At Renova Hospitals, care is focused not only on treating the disease but also on supporting patients physically and emotionally through every stage of care.
Expert Care at Renova Hospitals
At Renova Hospitals, patients with multiple myeloma receive comprehensive and personalised care under the guidance of Dr. Rajesh Bollam, Director - Renova Hospitals and a European-certified Medical Oncologist.
With a multidisciplinary approach, advanced diagnostics and evidence-based therapies, Renova Hospitals aims to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma is a serious condition, but with early diagnosis, modern treatments and expert medical care, many patients can live longer and better lives. Awareness of symptoms and timely consultation can make a life-saving difference.
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