Unlike many cancers, myeloma does not exist as a lump or tumour. Instead, myeloma cells divide and expand within the bone marrow.
However, myeloma can affect multiple locations in the body where bone marrow is present. This is why it is often called multiple myeloma. The bones of the spine, skull, pelvis, ribs and around the shoulders and hips are all common places where myeloma can occur.
The areas usually not affected are the extremities – the hands, feet and lower arm / leg regions. This is very important since the function of these critical areas is usually fully retained.