Multiple myeloma is a cancer that begins in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. These cells are part of your immune system, which helps protect the body from germs and other harmful substances. In time, myeloma cells collect in the bone marrow and in the solid parts of bone.

No one knows the exact causes of multiple myeloma, but it is more common in older people and African-Americans. Early symptoms may include

Myeloma is hard to cure. Treatment may help control symptoms and complications. Options include chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation and radiation.