Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in your bone marrow. You might experience bone pain, appetite loss, unwanted weight loss, fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, anemia, and increased bleeding. Treatment includes chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, and targeted therapies. Maintaining a healthy diet, quitting smoking, exercising (with medical advice), getting enough rest, and looking after your emotional health can support your overall well-being with multiple myeloma. Reducing your risk of infection is crucial.
What Is Multiple Myeloma? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and PreventionMedically Reviewed by Daniel Landau, MD | November 19, 2025
FAQ
What causes multiple myeloma?
The exact cause of multiple myeloma is unknown, but it involves abnormal plasma cell growth. Specific genetic mutations may contribute to its development. Exposure to radiation and certain chemicals, inflammatory diseases, and obesity may increase your risk of multiple myeloma.
Is multiple myeloma hereditary?
A family history might increase myeloma risk, especially in siblings or parents. However, while certain genetic mutations may increase a person’s multiple myeloma risk, doctors don’t consider it hereditary, as family members don’t directly pass it down.
What are the stages of multiple myeloma?
Different staging systems like the Revised International Staging System and Durie-Salmon Staging System help describe how advanced or aggressive multiple myeloma is using blood and genetic test results. Each system has stages 1 to 3, with 3 being the most advanced.
Can multiple myeloma be cured?
While multiple myeloma isn’t curable, treatment aims to significantly extend lifespan and improve quality of life. People can enter remission, when signs or symptoms of multiple myeloma are absent, and remain in that state for a long time.
What are common treatments?
Multiple myeloma treatments include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted drugs, and steroids to counter inflammation. Doctors also use stem cell transplants and radiation therapy for multiple myeloma treatment, and clinical trials examining experimental therapies may help in the future.
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Daniel Landau, MD
Medical Reviewer
Daniel Landau, MD, is a distinguished board-certified hematologist-oncologist with a career that has spanned two eminent institutions: the Orlando Health Cancer Institute and the M...
Walter Tsang, MD, is a board-certified medical oncologist, hematologist, and lifestyle medicine specialist. Inspired by the ancient Eastern philosophy of yang sheng ("nourishing li...
Nimit Sudan, MD, is a hematologist and medical oncologist with UCLA. He is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA and serves as a lead physician at the Encino community practice. ...
Conor E. Steuer, MD, is medical oncologist specializing in the care of aerodigestive cancers, mesothelioma, and thymic malignancies and an assistant professor in the department of ...
Ryland Gore, MD, MPH, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeon specializing in breast surgical oncology in Atlanta. She completed her general surgery residency at Rush Univ...
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