What is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow involving a malignancy of plasma cells--the cells that produce the antibodies of the immune system. It is called multiple myeloma because the myeloma cells (the malignant plasma cells) gather in numerous areas and then grow uncontrollably. Multiple myeloma causes bone pain and deterioration, kidney problems, and increases susceptibility to infections, and ultimately, death.

Although it was once considered an uncommon disease, approximately 40,000 Americans now suffer from multiple myeloma, with about 14,000 new cases occurring this year. It has been more common in older people but is one of the fastest growing types of cancer in the U.S., with occurrences increasing among young people. At present, there is no cure.

What causes Multiple Myeloma?
There have been many theories about the cause of cancer. It would appear that it may have something to do with our environment. The real question becomes what causes it to happen in some people and not others. The answer for this may take years to unravel. Do we wonder what caused it? Yes, however, we are more concerned about finding a cure. We think once they find a cure, the problem of what caused it may surface.

Is Multiple Myeloma bone cancer?
Multiple myeloma is not bone cancer. Although multiple myeloma affects the bones, it begins in blood cells, not bone cells.

Bone cancer is a different disease. It begins in bone cells, not blood cells. Bone cancer is diagnosed and treated differently from multiple myeloma.