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Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects your bones and different parts of your body.

About this information

This NHS content is written for people in England. Services, entitlements and contact routes may differ in other countries.

Myeloma

Symptoms

Myeloma

Diagnosis

Myeloma

Medical treatments

Myeloma

Causes

Main symptoms of myeloma

Symptoms of myeloma may include:

  • bone pain – you may feel this in your back, hips, shoulders or ribs
  • feeling very tired for no reason
  • shortness of breath
  • muscle weakness
  • headaches
  • feeling very thirsty and needing to pee more often than usual
  • losing weight without trying

Sometimes myeloma does not cause symptoms at first. You may find out you have it after having a blood test for another reason.

See a GP if:

  • you think you may have myeloma

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you have:

  • difficulty breathing – you may be more short of breath than usual

Call 999 if you or someone else:

  • suddenly lose feeling in your arms or legs, or cannot walk or stand
  • suddenly feel confused
  • suddenly cannot control when you poo or pee

These could be a sign of a condition called spinal cord compression which needs to be treated immediately.

A&E safety messaging (for 999 only)

Do not drive yourself to A&E.

The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.

Main causes of myeloma

It's not clear what causes myeloma, but you may be more likely to get it if:

  • you're overweight
  • a close relative has had myeloma
  • you're from a Black African or African Caribbean background
  • you have a condition called monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) or pernicious anaemia

You’re more likely to get myeloma as you get older. Myeloma is slightly more common in men.

Information

Find out more

Main tests for myeloma

If a GP refers you to a specialist because they think you could have myeloma, you'll have tests to check for cancer.

The main tests for myeloma usually include:

  • a CT or MRI scan
  • a bone marrow biopsy – where a small piece of your bone marrow is removed for testing

Main treatments for myeloma

Myeloma can be difficult to treat.

The treatment you'll have for myeloma depends on:

  • your symptoms
  • if your myeloma has come back (relapsed)
  • your age and general health

Sometimes you may not need any treatment straight away.

You may be offered a combination of treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted medicines, steroids and medicines to help with bone thinning called bisphosphonates.

Your specialist treatment team will:

  • explain the treatments, the benefits and side effects
  • work with you to make a treatment plan that's best for you
  • help you to manage the side effects of treatment

If you have any questions or worries, you can talk to your specialist team.

Where to find help and support

If you have myeloma, your specialist treatment team will be there to support you throughout your treatment. They will also be able to give you information about local support services you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that can offer support and information about bowel cancer.

Myeloma UK

Information and support for anyone affected by myeloma.

Blood Cancer UK

Information and support for anyone affected by blood cancer.

Macmillan

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Cancer Research UK

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Marie Curie

Care and support for anyone affected by terminal illness

Content supplied by the NHS website

Content supplied by the NHS website, refreshed 19 August 2026. View the original NHS article ↗

Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 ↗. MyPHU is independent and is not endorsed by the NHS.