Risk Factors, Complications, And Treatment Options For Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells, white blood cells that produce antibodies to help the body ward off infection. Plasma cells are primarily located in bone marrow but are found in other tissues and organs as well. Multiple myeloma occurs when plasma cells change and stop behaving normally. These abnormal plasma cells divide uncontrollably, creating more abnormal plasma cells. This uncontrolled cell growth causes cancer when the abnormal plasma cells take over the bone marrow and prevent normal blood cells from developing and functioning. The cause of multiple myeloma remains a mystery, but there are risk factors for developing the disease.