Multiple myeloma is cancer that starts in the plasma cells in
bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside
most bones. It helps make blood cells. Plasma cells help your
body fight infection by producing proteins called antibodies.
With multiple myeloma, plasma cells grow out of control in the
bone marrow and form tumors in the areas of solid bone. The
growth of these bone tumors weakens the solid bones and also
makes it harder for the bone marrow to make healthy blood cells
and platelets The exact cause of multiple myeloma is not clear.
Past treatment with radiation therapy raises the risk of this
type of cancer. Multiple myeloma mainly affects older adults.
Multiple myeloma most commonly causes a low red blood cell count
(anemia), which can lead to fatigue and shortness of breath. It
can also cause low white blood cell count, which makes you more
likely to get infections. Multiple myeloma also causes low
platelet count, which can lead to abnormal bleeding. As the
cancer cells grow in the