Multiple myeloma

Overview

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, found in bone marrow, the blood-producing tissue that fills in spaces within bone. In people with multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) multiply in the bone marrow, the factory of the blood. The result is fewer healthy blood cells (red cells, white cells and platelets). These plasma cells also produce an abnormal protein (a monoclonal, or M, protein) that can cause damage.

Sometimes people with multiple myeloma don't have signs or symptoms. Other times, they may have fever, bruising, bleeding and tiredness. People with multiple myeloma may also have painful bone fractures and damage to organs, especially the kidneys.

Although there is no cure at this time, the latest treatments can help control the disease, relieve pain, limit complications and slow the progress of multiple myeloma in most people. This tremendous progress in treatment means that most people with multiple myeloma live longer than ever before.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Expertise and experience. Experts in Mayo Clinic's multiple myeloma program have been treating this disease for decades. Mayo's multispecialty team approach gives you rapid access to specialty care. Hematologists provide primary care, working with orthopedic surgeons, radiation oncologists and other specialists as needed.
• Latest diagnostic techniques. Mayo Clinic developed special diagnostic tools, such as multicolor flow cytometry, for early and accurate diagnosis. Mayo also helped develop tests to identify precancerous stages of multiple myeloma (such as monoclonal gammopathy) and accurately determine the extent of the disease through a staging system. The Mayo Stratification of Myeloma and Risk-Adapted Therapy (mSMART) model further classifies people as having high-risk, intermediate-risk or standard-risk myeloma.
• Latest treatments. Mayo Clinic researchers believe multiple myeloma may be a collection of genetically distinct disorders that require different therapies (risk-adapted therapy). Your treatment will be tailored to your needs and may include both standard medications and experimental therapies, as well as diet and lifestyle management. In addition, you may be able to participate in one of Mayo's numerous clinical trials.
• Latest research. A world leader in multiple myeloma research, Mayo Clinic played a key role in developing new diagnostic techniques and drug treatments for multiple myeloma. Mayo researchers continue to focus on developing new treatments.
• Comprehensive cancer center. The Mayo Clinic Cancer Center receives funding from the National Cancer Institute and is designated as a comprehensive cancer center — a recognition for an institution's scientific excellence in research and multispecialty resources that are focused on cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., and Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., are ranked high performing for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

Why Choose Mayo Clinic
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