Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow, which is the soft matter inside bones where blood cells are made
. It is not clear what causes multiple myeloma, but there are several factors that may increase the risk of developing the condition
. These risk factors include:
- Age : Myeloma occurs most commonly in people over 60, with the average age at diagnosis being 70
- Family history : First-degree relatives of people with multiple myeloma have a 2 to 3 times higher risk of developing the condition
- Race : Myeloma occurs twice as frequently in Black people than in White people, with the disease also being more common in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Mediterranean
- Exposure to certain substances : Some studies suggest that exposure to certain substances, such as pesticides, may increase the risk of developing myeloma
Multiple myeloma begins with one plasma cell in the bone marrow and turns into a cancerous myeloma cell
. The disease is closely linked to a condition called monoclonal gammopathy of MGUS, where there is an excess of protein molecules called immunoglobulins in the blood
. This condition does not cause any symptoms and does not require treatment, but around 1 in every 100 people with MGUS go on to develop multiple myeloma
. Complications of multiple myeloma include infections, bone problems, kidney problems, and low red blood cell count, also known as anemia
. The disease is more common in men and can lead to a wide range of symptoms, such as persistent bone pain, tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, high levels of calcium in the blood, weight loss, blurred vision, dizziness, or headaches
