Call the Myeloma Infoline
0800 980 3332
If you're affected by myeloma
What is myeloma?
Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a type of cancer arising from plasma cells which are found in the bone marrow.
- Bone marrow is the ‘spongy’ material found in the bones that produces blood cells i.e. white cells, red cells and platelets
- Plasma cells form part of your immune system
Normal plasma cells produce antibodies (also called immunoglobulins) to help fight infection. In myeloma, malignant plasma cells (myeloma cells) in the bone marrow produce large amounts of an abnormal antibody known as paraprotein. Unlike normal antibodies, paraprotein lacks the capacity to fight infection and has no useful function.
It is often through the measurement of this paraprotein that myeloma is diagnosed and monitored.
What causes myeloma?Call the Myeloma Infoline
For information or practical advice about myeloma or if you just need to talk. Your call will be answered by Myeloma Information Specialists. All calls are confidential.
0800 980 3332 or
1800 937 773 from Ireland
Videos
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Understanding myeloma |
Answers to your questions
Find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about myeloma, its treatment and management.
