Multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cell, is an incurable but treatable disease. While a myeloma diagnosis can be overwhelming, it is important to remember that there are several promising, new therapies that are helping patients live longer, healthier lives. There are approximately 45,000 people in the United States living with multiple myeloma and an estimated 14,600 new cases of multiple myeloma are diagnosed each year.* Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Camille's Disease: Multiple Myeloma The most visible aspect of myeloma disease is its effect on bones throughout the body. In the majority of patients with multiple myeloma, soft spots develop where the bone structure has been damaged. These can extend from the inner bone marrow to the outside surface of the bone. Soft spots appear as "holes" on a standard bone x-ray and are referred to as osteolytic lesions (see figure). These lesions weaken the bone, causing pain and increasing the risk of fractures. Although it affects the bone, myeloma is considered a hematologic cancer (or blood cancer), because it develops in the blood's B cells. Treatment of myeloma differs from that of bone cancers (known as sarcomas of the bone).* *Copied from: Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Geraldine Ferraro and Don Baylor have myeloma. Links on Camille's Disease MedlinePlus The Cleveland Clinic The National Cancer Institute Survivor Stories Multiple Myeloma Association Myeloma Institute Cedars-Sinai MM Support
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