Summary

• Myeloma (also known as multiple myeloma) is a type of cancer that develops from plasma cells in your bone marrow.
• Symptoms of myeloma include bone pain, fatigue, kidney problems or abnormal blood counts.
• The cause of myeloma is not known, however some chemicals, high levels of radiation and viruses such as HIV are linked to an increased risk.
• Myeloma can't be cured, but treatments include active monitoring, immunotherapy medicines, chemotherapy and stem cell transplant.
• After treatment, many people have periods of remission, where the disease is not getting worse and no treatment is needed.

These key facts are from healthdirect.gov.au (accessed 29 Jan 2025). Visit the healthdirect website for more information about multiple myeloma.

Relevant Tests

If your doctor suspects you have multiple myeloma, they may request one or more tests.

If you are diagnosed with multiple myeloma, some of these tests will be used to monitor and manage your condition.

Find information about specific tests:

• Protein electrophoresis and immunofixation