What You Need to Know About Multiple Myeloma

What is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a form of blood cancer that is caused by the abnormal growth of plasma cells— immune cells specializing in antibody production, which are typically found in the bone marrow. The abnormal growth of plasma cells results in tumors known as plasmacytomas. Multiple myeloma is characterized by the presence of two or more plasmacytomas. Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, about 26,850 new cases of multiple myeloma will be diagnosed this year.