What is the Difference Between Myeloma and Multiple Myeloma?

The terms "myeloma" and "multiple myeloma" are often used interchangeably, as most people (90%) with myeloma have multiple bone lesions at the time of diagnosis. Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a cancer of the plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow, responsible for producing antibodies that help fight infections. In myeloma, cancerous plasma cells multiply excessively, crowding out normal cells in the bone marrow that produce red blood cells, platelets, and other white blood cells.

There are two main types of multiple myeloma:

Smoldering multiple myeloma: This type does not show signs or symptoms of the disease.
Active multiple myeloma: This type presents with symptoms such as bone pain, fractures, infections, tiredness, shortness of breath, kidney problems, nosebleeds, or easy bruising.

Myeloma is more than twice as common among Black people as among White people, and in rare cases, exposure to X-rays or other kinds of ionizing radiation may be a risk factor for developing myeloma. Being overweight and having obesity are linked with a higher risk of getting multiple myeloma.

Some subtypes of multiple myeloma include:

Light Chain Myeloma: Affects about 20% of people with myeloma, where only incomplete immunoglobulin known as light chain antibody is produced.
Non-secretory Myeloma: A rare type where myeloma cells do not secrete any immunoglobulin.
Solitary Plasmacytoma: A single plasma cell tumor that develops in one part of the body, often in a bone.
Extramedullary Plasmacytoma: A plasma cell tumor that develops outside of the bones in soft tissues such as the lung or throat.

The prognosis for myeloma depends on factors such as the type of myeloma, the rate of tumor growth, the patient's age, fitness, and medical history.