Myeloma: What to watch for and what comes next
Myeloma (often called multiple myeloma) is a blood cancer that starts in plasma cells and often shows up as bone pain, fatigue, infections, or unusual lab results. It can be sneaky at first — a simple back ache or persistent tiredness might be the only clue.
What is multiple myeloma?
Plasma cells live in bone marrow and help fight infections by making antibodies. In myeloma, these cells grow out of control and make abnormal proteins. Those proteins can damage kidneys, weaken bones, and crowd out healthy blood cells, causing anemia and infections.
Myeloma can act slowly or aggressively. Some people have a stable, early form that needs monitoring only. Others need treatment right away. Your doctor will use tests to find out which path applies to you.
Common signs include deep bone pain (often in the spine or ribs), unexplained fractures, frequent infections, persistent fatigue, weight loss, or symptoms from high calcium — like nausea, constipation, or confusion. If blood work shows anemia, high protein, or kidney changes, myeloma might be suspected.
Treatment, tests, and everyday support
Diagnosis relies on a mix of blood and urine tests (looking for M-protein or free light chains), imaging (X-ray, MRI, or PET-CT), and a bone marrow biopsy. Those tests show how much disease is present and which treatments will work best.
Treatment options now include combinations of chemotherapy, targeted drugs (proteasome inhibitors like bortezomib), immunomodulatory drugs (lenalidomide), monoclonal antibodies (daratumumab), and sometimes stem cell transplant. Newer options like CAR-T and bispecific antibodies are available through centers and trials for certain patients.
Bone care matters: bisphosphonates or denosumab help reduce fracture risk and ease bone pain. Radiation can treat a painful or unstable bone spot. Kidney issues may need hydration, dose changes, or dialysis in rare cases.
Supportive care is part of every plan — infection prevention (vaccines, prompt antibiotics), pain control, physical therapy, and mental health support. Blood transfusions or growth factors may be used to treat anemia. Talk with your team about fertility if that matters to you.
Clinical trials are common in myeloma and often offer access to newer drugs. If a center lists trials, ask if you qualify — trials have helped push survival and options forward quickly in recent years.
If you notice persistent bone pain, frequent infections, shortness of breath from anemia, or sudden kidney problems, see a doctor. Early diagnosis often makes treatment easier and more effective.
Want next steps? Keep a symptom log, bring recent blood test results to your appointment, and ask for a referral to a hematologist/oncologist experienced in myeloma. If you need resources, patient groups and specialized treatment centers can help you navigate choices and find clinical trials.
If you have questions about specific symptoms, tests, or treatment names you’ve heard, ask and take notes — clear, simple answers make decisions easier.
