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Living with Multiple myeloma

A cancer of the bone marrow that affects bones, blood cells, and the kidneys, and is usually found around age 65.

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Understanding Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that starts in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue in the center of most bones.

In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells (a type of white blood cell) multiply out of control in the bone marrow. They form tumors in the bone, which can cause bone pain and fractures. They can also lower the number of healthy blood cells and affect the kidneys. People typically develop it around age 65.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Bone pain
  • Bones that break easily
  • Tiredness (fatigue)
  • Low red blood cells (anemia)
  • Pale skin (pallor)
  • Kidney problems

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include blood and bone marrow specialists, brain and nervous system specialists and cancer specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Blood and bone marrow specialists (hematologists); Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Cancer specialists (oncologists)
Expert care
Expert lists: Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and other patient organizations
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
What tests will show how my bones and kidneys are doing?
How can we manage bone pain and protect my bones?
Which specialists should be on my care team?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startAdult

GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.

NeurologicalBlood

Also known as: familial myeloma; kahler disease; kahler's disease; medullary plasmacytoma; mm; multiple myeloma (clinical)

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Multiple myelomaGARD ID 7108 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Multiple myeloma.

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Embrace the Ask: How to Seek The Support You Need

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Explore research for Multiple myeloma

Explore actively recruiting Multiple myeloma studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Multiple myeloma with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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I can help you find recruiting Multiple myeloma studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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