Myeloma

What is myeloma?

Also known as “multiple myeloma,” myeloma is a cancer of specialized white blood cells that make up plasma. In patients with myeloma, impacted cells grow out of control, forcing out the normal bone marrow cells that make platelets, red blood cells, and other forms of white blood cells.

There are three main types of myeloma:

• Multiple myeloma: Myeloma that develops in the bone marrow, and which can spread through the blood to other parts of the body. This is the most common type of myeloma.

• Extramedullary plasmacytoma: A tumor that starts in plasma cells, but develops in soft tissues such as the throat or lungs.

• Solitary plasmacytoma: Plasma cell tumors that develop in only one part of the body, usually in a bone.

What are the symptoms of myeloma?

Myeloma usually develops without causing any symptoms, and is often discovered during blood or urine testing for other conditions. In more advanced cases, myeloma can cause bone issues, including:

• Pain, particularly in the back or ribs

• Bones that fracture or break easily

• Frequent infections, bleeding or bruising

• Unexplained fever

• Fatigue, including weakness in the extremities

• Breathing difficulties

What are the risk factors for myeloma?

The root causes of myeloma are unknown. Risk factors for developing myeloma or also poorly understood, but may include:

• Age, with the disease being rare in people under 45

• Gender, as men are more likely than women to develop the disease

• Race, with Blacks having twice as much chance of contracting myeloma than whites

• Obesity

• Exposure to benzene and hair dyes

• Exposure to heavy X-rays or other kinds of ionizing radiation

How can I reduce my risk of developing myeloma?

Currently, there are no known ways to reduce your risk of developing myeloma, though maintaining a healthy weight may help.

How is myeloma diagnosed?

Myeloma is usually diagnosed initially through blood and urine tests. If these tests are positive for myeloma, your doctor may recommend other tests. These may include:

• Bone marrow biopsy

• X-rays

• Specialized bone imaging tests

I’ve been diagnosed with myeloma. Now what do I do?

After diagnosis, your doctor will review your symptoms, explain your treatment options, and may refer you to a specialist for additional testing or procedures. This is also the time to ask questions, seek clarity, and consider a second opinion to ensure you feel confident in your care plan.

Trust Hoag for your myeloma care

As a leading provider of advanced care for blood cancers, Hoag Family Cancer has world-class technology, techniques and specialists to help you win your battle against myeloma. Hoag was the first in the nation to open Phase 2 clinical trials using molecular imaging to detect myeloma, providing patients and doctors with the insight they need to fight. Learn more about Molecular Imaging for myeloma at Hoag.

For the ninth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospitals Rankings named Hoag the highest-ranked hospital in Orange County.

Hoag combines advanced diagnostics and leading-edge treatment with a uniquely supportive approach to care. Our Clinical Nurse Navigator Program connects cancer patients and their families with specially trained nurses who guide them through every step of the journey. These navigators serve as dedicated resources, answering questions, coordinating care, and providing trusted, science-backed information, so patients feel informed, supported, and confident from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.

Call 949-722-6237 to schedule an appointment or request a second opinion consultation with our specialists.

Meet Hoag’s Blood Cancer Team.

What are some early myeloma treatment options?

Treatment options for myeloma depend on many factors, including how advanced the cancer is when detected, your age, other health issues you may have and other factors. At Hoag, we offer the latest treatment options for myeloma. These may include:

• Immunotherapy, which preps your body’s own immune system to fight cancer

• Bone marrow transplant

• Corticosteroid injections, which reduce inflammation in the body and help suppress myeloma cells

• Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It is usually given intravenously, and treatment may be administered either at the doctor’s office or in an outpatient center.

• Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy at Hoag

Hoag was recently named a Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Center of Excellence (RTCoE) by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), a distinction held by only 17 centers in the U.S. including Stanford Health Care, Harvard Medical School and the University of California — San Francisco. Explore advanced treatment technologies for myeloma available at Hoag.

Survivorship before, during and after treatment

At Hoag Family Cancer Institute, we’re committed to offering the best support services, resources and educational information to our patients and their families at every stage of their cancer journey. Hoag’s Integrated Cancer Support Services are open to everyone regardless of their prognosis, cancer stage or phase of recovery.

Resources include:

• Classes & Workshops

• Counseling Services

• Brighter Image Program

• Support Groups

• Hoag Rehabilitation Services

• Spiritual Care Services

• Oncology Massage

• Oncology Nutrition

• Pastoral Care Services

• Financial Navigators for cancer-related care

Find more information about Integrated Cancer Support Services at Hoag at this link.

Clinical Trials for myeloma

Hoag is committed to leading the way in state-of-the-art technologies and advanced treatment options. Part of this commitment includes clinical research with the goal of helping patients live longer, healthier lives. Through carefully planned clinical trials, researchers evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases or conditions. Treatments studied in clinical trials might be new drugs or new combinations of drugs, new surgical procedures or devices, or new ways to use existing treatments. View available clinical trials at Hoag here.

At Hoag, our clinical research team is committed to excellence in research and a continuing commitment to protect the interests and well-being of patients. Contact us at (949) 764-4577 to see if joining a clinical trial is right for you.

Survivorship Support at Hoag

At Hoag, we understand that a cancer diagnosis may cause you and your family to experience a variety of significant life changes. We are committed to providing you with support before, during and after treatment. Hoag’s survivorship resources help you navigate through the challenges of telling friends and family about your cancer, working while living with cancer, returning to “normal” after cancer and so much more. We strive to provide you with the resources needed to feel empowered in your everyday life.

Learn more about our Survivorship Support here.